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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jan 16, 2010; 2(1): 25-28
Published online Jan 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i1.25
Published online Jan 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i1.25
ERCP in acute biliary pancreatitis
Dimitrios J Kapetanos, Gastroenterology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
Author contributions: Kapetanos DJ wrote this paper.
Correspondence to: Dimitrios J Kapetanos, MD, PhD, Gastroenterology Department, George Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece. dkapetan@otenet.gr
Telephone: +30-2313-307102
Received: March 10, 2009
Revised: August 26, 2009
Accepted: September 2, 2009
Published online: January 16, 2010
Revised: August 26, 2009
Accepted: September 2, 2009
Published online: January 16, 2010
Abstract
The role of urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute biliary pancreatitis is for many years a subject for disagreement among physicians. Although the evidence seemed to be in favor of performing ERCP, endoscopists usually hesitate to conform to the guidelines. ERCP is an invasive procedure, with complications which can affect patients’ outcome. Recent evidence suggests that we should probably modify our policy, recruiting less invasive procedures, like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound, before conducting ERCP in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. In this editorial the different aspects regarding the role of ERCP in acute biliary pancreatitis are discussed.
Keywords: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; Acute pancreatitis; Gallstone; Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography; Endoscopic ultrasound