Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Endoscopic visualization of the papilla of Vater was achieved in 98 of our first 100 attempts. Cannulation was successful in 87% of cases, achieving pancreatography alone in 29, cholangiography alone in 27, and both in 31. The relevant duct was adequately visualized in 72.5% of patients with biliary tract disease and in 72% of those with pancreatic disease. Complications were acceptably few. The procedure has proven valuable in difficult cases of obstructive jaundice and biliary type pain syndromes without jaundice. Many questions remain, however, as to its value in the diagnosis and evaluation of pancreatic disease.