Pursuing excellence in ERCP

Abstract

The term "ERCP cannulation" returns 1,563 items in Pubmed. In 1980 there were 7 papers, and 92 were included in 2015. Any gastroenterologist knows ERCP is often a complex procedure, at times with uncertain results, that unfortunately leads every so often to lawsuits. Most issues derive from attempts at biliary cannulation, despite the improved instruments available since the days of the first sphincterotomy back in 1974. The initial priority goal of ERCP learning is a satisfactory rate of choledochal cannulation. Such rate has been somewhat arbitrarily set as at least 80% of successful biliary access.