Endoscopy retrograde cholangiography.

Since introduction of endoscopic cannulation of the ampulla of Vater, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has become a widely used procedure for evaluating suspected biliary tract and pancreatic disease. ERCP is a somewhat sophisticated technique that can be successfully mastered by the trained endoscopist after a reasonable commitment of time and good training. The ability to cannulate the papilla of Vater under direct vision to facilitate the opacification of the ductular structures of the biliary tract and pancreas has influenced our current approach to biliary and pancreatic disease by providing an expedient diagnosis and thus specific management.