Endoscopy with endoscopic cholangiopancreatography. The combination as a primary diagnostic procedure

Abstract

The combination of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was evaluated as a primary diagnostic procedure in 91 consecutive patients suspected of pancreatic or biliary tract disease. In 77 (85%) of the patients, the origin, nature, or extent of disease was established by endoscopy (13 patients), pancreatography (25 patients), or cholangiography (39 patients). This combined technique compares favorably with other means of diagnosing pancreatic or biliary tract disease.