[Endoscopic approach to biliary stones: experience acquired in a general surgery unit. Comparison of 2 periods]

The outcome of the laparoscopic technique, that in the first years needed to be applied in non complicated situations, imposed a more frequent use of ERCP preoperatively; this procedure was originally confined to a handful of European and American centers, but later spread to almost all large hospitals. Improvements in the techniques and materials have gone side by side with more specific indications and the assessment of complications. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the experience of a General Surgery Unit in terms of acquiring and developing skills in treating biliary stones by ERCP.