[What is the value of ERCP in the era of MRCP?].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The diagnostic approach in patients suspicious for gallstone disease is represented by two main methods--ERCP and MRCP. The magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography is safe and precise method of imaging diagnostics, while the endoscopy combines both good diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

223 patients were enrolled, 68 of theme were with diagnosed cholestasis and endoscopic sphincterotomy, which was therapeutic in 53 cases. In all patients this condition has been diagnosed using MRCP--in 51 cases choledocholithiasis was diagnosed; 11 were with tumor obstruction; in 6 cases no mechanical cause was found. ERCP was performed on 62 patients with following therapeutical sphincterotomy.

RESULTS:

All 223 with performed cholecystectomy were with rate of conversion of 3% and hospital stay--3 days. There were no cases of pancreatitis after the sphincterotomy or hemorrhages requiring hemotransfusion.

CONCLUSION:

Algorithm including MRCP with performing endoscopic sphincterotomy is safe and effective in the diagnostic and treatment of choledocholithiasis. MRCP can be applied in addition to ERCP and IOC.

• Authors: N Kolev, A Tonev, V Ignatov, K Ivanov
• Journal: Khirurgiia (Khirurgiia (Sofiia)) Issue 6 Pg. 35-9 ( 2010) ISSN: 0450-2167 [Print] Bulgaria
• PMID: 21972716 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Bile Ducts (pathology, surgery)
• Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
• Cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic Resonance
• Cholestasis (diagnosis, pathology, surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic