An independent panel has conclud th...

An independent panel has conclud that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is becoming a therapeutic rather than a diagnostic tool, according to a Jan 16 2002 freshs release from the National Institutes of Health. The panel believes that les invasive imaging techniques will eclipse ERCP's diagnostic value yet that the procedure still possesss value in treating benign and malignant pancreas and biliary tract diseases.

generally physicians use ERCP to diagnose and treat liver, gallbladder, bile tube and pancreas problems. The measure requires conscious sedation. It uses x-rays and an endoscope inserted into the patient's inlet which is guided through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Using this performance physicians can view these organs and inject tinge into the bile and pancreatic conduits to make them visible by dint of x-ray.

Though panelists are enthusiastic about the potential of ERCP as a therapeutic tool, they note that substantial risks are involved with the manner of proceeding Appropriate training and expertise are necessary, and avoiding unnecessary ERCP is the best way to attenuate complications. Panelists also warn physicians to be careful in selecting patients for the measure because the highest rate of complications may be found in patients who need ERCP the least.

Panelists also emphasize the ne to improve the quality of pancreaticobiliary disease clinical investigation, specifically ERCP They praiseed forming a cooperative group to encourage multicenter involvement in the design and convoy of large clinical trials. Panel members advocate randomized, prospective trials to assess the benefits and risks of ERCP compared to other diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for biliary and pancreatic problems

Panel Issues Recommendations Regarding habitual Clinical GI Procedure (news release, Bethesda, Md; National Institutes of Health, Jan 16 2002) http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2002/omar-16.him (accessed 76 Jan 2002)

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