Retrograde pancreatography: new contributions.

The standard technic for pancreatography was modified by using a metallic guide wire in the proximal half of the cannula so as to regulate pressure independently from that applied manually. The maximum pressure obtained by this method was measured in a polyethylene teflon cannula constructed to correspond to the Wirsung duct. Pressure was five times less when the guide wire was used. Our results in 33 patients correspond to experimental data. Only in 28% of our cases did the amylase rise slightly to a maximum of 290 Somogyi units. Acinar opacification was attempted by adding NaCO3 to a standard dye solution and was obtained in 20% of the cases (5 of 25). Maximum amylase elevation in this group was 263 Somogyi units. No complications resulted from the pressure measurements during pancreatography.