[Possibilities and limitations of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP)].

Important experiences are reported from an analysis of 500 examinations. The ERCP gives eminent possibilities for the improvement of the pre- and postoperative diagnostics of the bile ducts, particularly in unclear cholestasis and in conditions after operations of the bile ducts. The ERCP is little suited for the early diagnosis of the carcinoma of the pancreas and for the ascertainment of the diagnosis in easy and moderate forms of chronic pancreatitis. Of particular value is the possibility to clear the causes of recidivations of pancreatitis as well as of complications of the severe chronic pancreatitis with regard to operative consequences.