ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY

Since initially described in 1968, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has enjoyed an expanding role in the diagnosis of common bile duct diseases. With increased use ERCP has become, in qualified centers, a routine examination. The benefits of ERCP are that it expands the available therapeutic options at the time of the examination, it confirms the nature and site of suspected disease, and aids in presurgical evaluation. There are no specific contraindications to ERCP, and any complications are related to biliary and pancreatic disease and the operator's experience. ERCP is a procedure that should be performed in qualified surgical centers where all possible alternatives are rapidly available for treatment of the found disease.