There is no primary prevention strategy for cholangitis in otherwise healthy patients, although prophylactic antibiotics are often administered in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to reduce the risk of post-ERCP cholangitis, especially in those with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Guidelines, however, recommend that prophylactic antibiotics are only necessary if the patient is immunocompromised, if cholangioscopy is performed, or if incomplete biliary drainage is anticipated.[21] Patients with known or suspected biliary disease who undergo surgical, endoscopic, or radiological interventions must have steps taken at the time of the procedure to ensure adequate biliary drainage.
Primary prevention
Secondary prevention
Ensure the patient knows to alert their physician if they experience recurrent fever, jaundice, and/or right upper quadrant pain. Patients who have primary sclerosing cholangitis should have appropriate follow-up with a gastroenterologist and/or hepatologist.
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