Therapeutic Pancreatic Endoscopy

Abstract

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has established itself as a valuable tool for the treatment of a variety of biliary tract disorders. Fueled by an ever-increasing demand for minimally invasive therapy, pancreatic endoscopy was the logical frontier for expansion of therapeutic ERCP. Endoscopic treatment of benign pancreatic disorders can be a cost-effective alternative to more invasive radiological or surgical methods. Conditions such as acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic calculi, and pseudocysts can in many cases be managed endoscopically. This review summarizes the current state of the art in therapeutic pancreatic endoscopy.