EUS vs. ERCP for Diagnosing Bile Duct Stones

In a small randomized trial, EUS was more sensitive than ERCP and just as specific.

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the preferred method of diagnosing and treating bile duct stones, it is an invasive test that carries risks for complications. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) represents one alternative (JW Gastroenterol Nov 27 2001).

To compare the effectiveness of EUS versus ERCP, investigators in Turkey performed a prospective, randomized, blinded study among 120 patients with an intermediate probability of bile duct stones (defined as ≤67%, based on previously published criteria). Patients underwent ERCP alone or EUS followed by ERCP. If either procedure revealed bile duct stones, sphincterotomy was performed. Median follow-up was 9 months for the EUS-first group and 10 months for the ERCP-onl…

Reviewing Author

Stuart Sherman, MD