[Prospective study of the 1st 197 endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatographies (ERCP) in Basel (1973-1975)]

Cannulation of the papilla has been successful in 144 out of 197 ERCPs. The rate of success increases with the experience of the endoscopist. The intended filling of the pancreatic duct was successful in 87%, of the bile ducts in 64% and of both duct systems in 28%. The correct diagnosis was made in 77% of pancreatic affections, 71% of biliary diseases and in 43% when both duct systems had to be evaluated. 10 ERCP findings disagreed with the final diagnosis, mainly because the distinction between acute and chronic pancreatitis was not correct. The differentiation of chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic carcinoma is not easy and the evaluation of processes localized to the papilla may be difficult. Complications occurred in 6.6%. It is concluded that the ERCP should be limited to regional hospital centers and should be performed only in cases with well defined indications.