Features of chronic pancreatitis – a focus on ERP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) offers an effective interventional option for treating symptomatic chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy is performed to facilitated endoscopic treatment. Pancreatic duct strictures can be treated by inserting plastic stents, and a 10 Fr endoprosthesis is adequate in many cases. Before stent insertion, hydrostatic balloon dilation is needed in some cases. Pancreatic stones can be removed with a dormia basket, but combining ERCP and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is often most effective. Standard and advanced endoscopic treatment approaches are delineated in this article and include stricture dilation with a Soehendra retriever, cSEMS placement and multi-stenting.