Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pancreatitis

Abstract Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has evolved from mainly a diagnostic tool to a treatment method, thanks to newer noninvasive techniques like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This paper looks at how ERCP is used to treat conditions such as acute gallstone pancreatitis, pancreas divisum (PD), sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), and chronic pancreatitis (CP). For acute gallstone pancreatitis, early ERCP to reduce severity or mortality is now questioned, except when there is cholangitis or ongoing bile duct blockage. For patients with recurring acute pancreatitis due to PD, endoscopic treatment aims to lower duct pressure, but there is not enough strong evidence to support its long-term success. In SOD cases, recent research suggests being more careful with endoscopic sphincterotomy. ERCP plays a clearer role in CP by helping to manage duct stones and strictures in suitable patients. The rising use of pancreatoscopy-assisted lithotripsy as an alternative to ESWL is also discussed.