[Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in the diagnosis of liver diseases]

ERC is mainly used either for the investigation of extrahepatic cholestasis or for the evaluation of common bile duct stones. Contrary to non-invasive procedures in liver diseases (laboratory investigation, ultrasound, computer tomography), ERC is only indicated when the biliary system might be involved in the underlying process. In these cases application of ERC depends on the question whether optimal visualization of the biliary tree will further assist in the therapeutic management of the disease. In primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis ERC is the diagnostic procedure of choice.