Abstract: OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of rectal indomethacin for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP) by Meta analysis. METHODS The papers focused on the indomethacin prevention of PEP in Jan 2000-Dec 2012 with RCT were enrolled, qualify the trials by Jadad score, and analyse data by Renman 5.0. RESULTS Eight trials were enrolled. Meta analysis results were as follows: the incidence of PEP in rectal indomethacin group versus placebo group showed a relative risk of 43%(RR=0.43, 95%CI: 0.32-0.58, P<0.01); as for subgroups of different medication time, the incidence of PEP in subgroup T1(0.5-2 h prior to ERCP) and subgroup T3(post-ERCP) relatively showed a significant 34%(RR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.20-0.58)and 51%(RR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.34-0.75); there was no obvious difference in subgroup T2(within 30 min prior to ERCP); the incidences of hyperamylasemia and mild-severe pancreatitis were both lower in indomethacin group than in control group. CONCLUSION Rectal indomethacin is effective for prevention PEP. Administration of indomethacin at 0.5-2 h prior to ERCP or post-ERCP shows a significant lower incidence of PEP, but the effect is still unsure when taken within 30 min prior to ERCP. Indomethacin also decreases the risk of hyperamylasemia and mild-severe pancreatitis.