Application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary disease

Objective: To validate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis andtreatment of pancreaticobiliary disease and to improve the methodology of ERCP. Methods: From January 1977 toJune 1998, Seven thousand two hundred and thirty eight patients who were suspected to have pancreaticobiliaryduct diseases were examined with ERCP. Those who had therapeutic indications received ERCP treatment such asdrainage, dilatation and lithotomy. All cases were reviewed retrospectively, and analyzed for the clinical value andcomplications of ERCP. Results: In 7 238 patienls who underwent 7 579 ERCPs, the total success rate was94. 8%, with a 75. 7% showing rate of pancreatic duct. and 89. 1 % of the binary duct, revealing 3 492 cases ofbinary duct disease, 570 cases of pancreatic duct disease. 821 cases of diverticula and 171 cases of fistula. of which921 cases were treated endoscopically. The rate of complications arising from diagnostic ERCP was 1. 01%.without a single death, the rate of complications arising from therapeutic ERCP was 1. 3 %, two patients died(0. 22 % ). Conclusion: ERCP has important clinical value in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary ductdisease.