AN ENDOSCOPIC APPROACHTO BILIO-PANCREATIC DISEASE

The endoscopic cannulation of Vater's papilla is a recent technique, made possible by the progress of optic fiber endoscopy. There can be no doubt that the introduction of sophisticated endoscopic techniques has greatly enhanced the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic disease, particularly the latter. It is already apparent that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), if there are no obvious contraindications, is by far the most effective method of evaluating the biliary system and represents the only means of examining the pancreatic ducts “in vivo”. It is equally apparent, however, that in order to realise the full potential of these procedures considerable skill and a great deal of enthusiasm are required, as this book most convincingly demonstrates. Its most impressive feature is the correlation of the endoscopic appearances with conventional radiography and computed tomography. There are also some generously proportioned diagrams. Pathologists should be familiar with the endoscopist's vision of disease and will find a good deal that is both interesting and pleasing to the eye in this well presented publication.