[Diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in obstructive jaundice].

The diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) was compared, in 66 patients with bile duct obstruction, who underwent subsequent biliary surgery. The level of the blockage was diagnosed by US with a 80%, by ERCP with a 95.4% sensitivity, while the cause of the obstruction was determined with a 50% and a 89% sensitivity, respectively. Predictive value of these examinations is over 90%. Based on the clinical results and on the high diagnostic value of the above mentioned examinations, it is essential to fill up the bile ducts with direct contrast material.