Investigation of obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or CT scan of the abdomen.

Investigation of the cause of obstructive jaundice usually involves a myriad of blood tests and x rays. The recent development refinement and availability of new techniques--ultrasonography, computed tomographic scans (CT), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), have significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of establishing the cause of obstructive jaundice. What is not clear is whether all investigations should be carried out on all patients presenting with jaundice. Recently the authors have had experience with 14 patients who presented with obstructed jaundice. This report compares the accuracy rate between CT scans and ERCP.