[The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) following conventional as well as laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a suitable method in the case of residual calculi and biliary leakage. This is due to the fact that this method enables an exact diagnosis and, in most patients, a prompt and effective therapy. Problems due to bile duct injuries frequently arise with a time-lag after surgery. Even in these cases ERC and, in certain anatomical conditions, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) enable the accurate delineation of changes which are the basis of further therapy. Concerning stenoses of the biliary tract the question awaits evaluation as to what extent an endoscopic or radiologic intervention will be a sound alternative to surgery. First results are encouraging.