The present status and future of treatment by biliopancreatoscopy

Abstract

Biliopancreatoscopy has been performed since the development of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Following the development of endoscopic sphincterotomy, treatment via biliopancreatoscopy has greatly progressed. Plastic stents have facilitated biliary drainage to treat obstructive jaundice in patients with tumors, and metallic stents are now commonly used. The era of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has come, and with the development of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has also been achieved. However, post-ERCP pancreatitis remains a significant complication associated with these procedures. We have therefore established and published clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of post-ERCP pancreatitis.