Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the investigation and management of patients after acute pancreatitis

Abstract Thirty-one patients who had been admitted with acute pancreatitis underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) following initial investigation by cholecystogram or intravenous cholangiogram and by biochemical screening. Previously undiagnosed gallstones were demonstrated at ERCP in 4 patients, and in 2 others known gallstones were effectively treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy. Changes of chronic pancreatitis were found in 8 pancreatograms and no patient in whom a normal pancreatic duct was demonstrated has suffered a further recurrence of acute pancreatitis. ERCP was valuable in the management of patients with acute pancreatitis, both in the diagnosis and management of biliary disease and in the recognition of underlying chronic pancreatitis.