Technical difficulties in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography depending on scale of difficulty and types of procedures

: Endoscopic procedures are indespensable part of modern diagnostics and therapy of digestive tract diseases. Undoubtly one of the most challenging endoscopic procedure is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This procedure is also associated with high risk of complications and requires experience from the endoscopist performing the procedure. The following paper presents basic technical difficulties that could take place when the diagnostic procedure is performed as well as during complicated therapeutic procedures. Presented technical difficulties are the effect of kind of procedure or they are associated with pathology and changed anatomy. Basic technical difficulties scales were also presented. Their use is very helpful in exchanging data between medica centres as well as they are useful in teaching process. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopncreatography is a challenging procedure but its curative potential is essential in treating some of the digestive tract diseases.