5-year experience with ERCP is reported comprising 2507 investigations in 1981 patients. The cannulation of at least one ductal system was possible in 93%. When indicated pancreatography was successful in 82%, cholangiography in 63%. Normal anatomy was seen in 51.5% of the investigations. Pathological alterations of the pancreas were irregularities of the ductal system, strictures, pseudo-cysts and calculi. Chronic pancreatitis was diagnosed based on this criteria in 405 patients, pancreas carcinoma in 76 patients. The most common pathological findings of the bilary tree were concretions in 168 patients. ERCP proved helpful in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and became mandatory as preoperative procedure to indicate the surgeon where to resect. Disorders of the biliary duct can easily be diagnosed by ERCP, especially in case of obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic papillotomy and stone extraction offer new therapeutic aspects of this valuable method.
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Belohlavek et al. (1976) studied this question.