Possibilities and limits of the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP)

The results reported are based on 500 examinations. By using ERCP pre- and postoperative diagnosis of the biliary ducts can be improved, especially in unclear cholestasis. For the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and for the ascertainment of the diagnosis in easy and moderate forms of chronic pancreatitis ERCP is only little suited. Of particular value is the possibility to clear the causes of recidivations of pancreatitis as well as of complications of the severe chronic pancreatitis with regard to operative consequences