Key words: ERCP, sphincterotomy(EST), papillotome, needle knife, papillectomy, EHL, collaboration
Energy Devices in ERCP: Cut & Break
ERCP Unit, Asan Medical Center, Seoul
Sunghee Cho
ERCP(Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography) is diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for pancreatobiliary disorders which results from stones and narrowing of ducts by stricture, cancer, inflammation, and so on.
The ultimate purpose of ERCP is drainage and for that, the essential steps of therapeutic ERCP are cannulation with guidewire and EST(Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) which is the basic technique for cutting method. Breaking method such as EHL(Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy) is also fundamental and active intervention for drainage. Cutting and breaking methods are performed very often in ERCP and PTCS(Percutaneous Transhepatic
Cholangioscopy) and these methods play critical roles in pancreatobiliary drainage.
During the ERCP, many kinds of devices like papillotome, needle knives, guide wires, balloons, baskets, and stents are used. Among them, energy devices which need electric power for cutting and breaking procedures will be discussed and the knowledge and techniques to use them effectively will be shared.
ERCP is the invasive and team-work based procedure that needs doctor, nurse, and radiologist and their collaboration is the key of the success of ERCP: therefore, the cooperation of ERCP team members cannot be emphasized enough.
