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.