Urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography: to whom, when and how to perform?

Although the effectivity of an urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography was documented, some aspects relating to this method are still debated. Timing of this procedure has not been established yet. Indications for urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography with stone extraction from the common bile duct in patients with biliary pancreatitis remains controversial. Biliary decompression and drainage is the cornerstone of acute cholangitis treatment. The timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography should be based on the grade of the severity of the disease. Using endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography, the accurate diagnosis and treatment of bile leaks in a timely manner is imperative to limit associated morbidity and mortality. Difficulty in cannulating the common bile duct is one of the main risk factors for pancreatitis occurring after the procedure. Alternative techniques to facilitate difficult cannulation are discussed. Organized training and introduction of objective measures of the investigator's competence are emphasized to improve the performance of the procedure in Hungary.