Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (700 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
An imaging test of the biliary tract in which a contrast dye (radiopaque media) is injected into the bile duct and x-ray pictures are taken.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Cholangiographies.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Radiography, Abdominal; Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System
- Narrower topics
- Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
Related concepts
- Biliary Tract
- Radiopaque Media
- Bile Ducts
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 31,579 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Cholangiography” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 4,320 of them (13.7%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 14,408 records.
Reviews account for 3,785 records (12.0%) and meta-analyses for 411. Randomized controlled trials number 856 (2.7%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 14,408 |
| 2000-2009 | 6,057 |
| 2010-2019 | 6,794 |
| 2020 onward | 4,320 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 3,785 | 12.0% |
| Meta-analyses | 411 | 1.3% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 856 | 2.7% |
Method: PubMed query "Cholangiography"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in diagnostics and medical technology
A test or device is judged by how well it detects a condition, how often it gives false alarms or misses cases, and whether using it improves outcomes for people. Accuracy depends on who is tested and how common the condition is, so a test that performs well in a specialist hospital can perform differently in the community. Check the reference standard, the population studied, the sensitivity and specificity and whether results were confirmed in a separate group.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-ERCP Pancreatitis: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management | 2022 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 51 | cc by PMID 36143938 · DOI · PMC9502657 |
| Morphology of the papilla can predict procedural safety and efficacy of ERCP-a systematic review and meta-analysis | 2024 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 15 | cc by PMID 38538734 · DOI · PMC10973369 |
| Indications, success, and adverse event rates of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a systematic review and meta-analysis | 2023 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 15 | cc by PMID 37996785 · DOI · PMC10668434 |
| The Success and Safety of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy | 2025 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 6 | cc by PMID 39982243 · DOI · PMC11843866 |
Post-ERCP Pancreatitis: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) carries a post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate of 2-10%, which could be as high as 30-50% in high-risk cases.
- Closing excerpt
- This review covers the definition, epidemiology and risk factors for PEP, with a focus on the latest evidence-based medical and endoscopic strategies to prevent and manage PEP.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (94 words)
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) carries a post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate of 2-10%, which could be as high as 30-50% in high-risk cases. PEP is severe in up to 5% of cases, with potential for life-threatening complications, including multi-organ failure, peripancreatic fluid collections, and death in up to 1% of cases. The risk of PEP is potentially predictable and may be modified with pharmacological measures and endoscopist technique. This review covers the definition, epidemiology and risk factors for PEP, with a focus on the latest evidence-based medical and endoscopic strategies to prevent and manage PEP.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36143938 · DOI · PMC9502657
Morphology of the papilla can predict procedural safety and efficacy of ERCP-a systematic review and meta-analysis [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the primary therapeutic procedure for pancreaticobiliary disorders, and studies highlighted the impact of papilla anatomy on its efficacy and safety.
- Closing excerpt
- In conclusion, certain papilla morphologies are associated with a higher rate of difficult cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (198 words)
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the primary therapeutic procedure for pancreaticobiliary disorders, and studies highlighted the impact of papilla anatomy on its efficacy and safety. Our objective was to quantify the influence of papilla morphology on ERCP outcomes. We systematically searched three medical databases in September 2022, focusing on studies detailing the cannulation process or the rate of adverse events in the context of papilla morphology. The Haraldsson classification served as the primary system for papilla morphology, and a pooled event rate with a 95% confidence interval was calculated as the effect size measure. Out of 17 eligible studies, 14 were included in the quantitative synthesis. In studies using the Haraldsson classification, the rate of difficult cannulation was the lowest in type I papilla (26%), while the highest one was observed in the case of type IV papilla (41%). For post-ERCP pancreatitis, the event rate was the highest in type II papilla (11%) and the lowest in type I and III papilla (6-6%). No significant difference was observed in the cannulation failure and post-ERCP bleeding event rates between the papilla types. In conclusion, certain papilla morphologies are associated with a higher rate of difficult cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38538734 · DOI · PMC10973369
Indications, success, and adverse event rates of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a systematic review and meta-analysis [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundTo improve knowledge on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children, we aimed to study the proportion of indications, success rate and complication of ERCP.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsERCP appears to be performed safely in children with a similar success rate as in the adult population.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (155 words)
BackgroundTo improve knowledge on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children, we aimed to study the proportion of indications, success rate and complication of ERCP.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of all articles published up to December 2022 in the following databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by the I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q test. The included data were analyzed to identify the proportion of indications, success rate and complications of ERCP in children.ResultsBased on data from 52 studies with a total of 5624 participants, the most common indications for ERCP in children were biliary [48% (95% CI: 0.40 - 0.57; I2 = 98.17%, P 2 = 98.27%, P 2 = 82.53%, P 2 = 82.06%, P 2 = 85.46%, P 2 = 28.21%, P = 0.03).ConclusionsERCP appears to be performed safely in children with a similar success rate as in the adult population.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 37996785 · DOI · PMC10668434
The Success and Safety of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Background/objectivesPerforming endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy remains challenging, frequently necessitating the use of forward-viewing endoscopes.
- Closing excerpt
- Despite recent advances seen with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage procedures, this study advocates for ERCP as the initial approach for pancreaticobiliary access in surgically altered anatomy.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (253 words)
Background/objectivesPerforming endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy remains challenging, frequently necessitating the use of forward-viewing endoscopes. Given the challenge in endoscope selection based on the type of altered anatomy, the aim of this study was to examine ERCP success rates by specific endoscopes for different anatomy types.MethodsThis single-center retrospective study examined ERCPs performed in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy during an 18-year period. Enteroscopy success, cannulation success, and intervention success rates were compared between the different anatomy and endoscope types.ResultsThis study included a total of 334 adult patients (665 total ERCPs) with altered anatomy. The pediatric colonoscope was most frequently utilized (32.2%), and the majority of procedures were performed for biliary indications. Enteroscopy success was 82.2% in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 97% in Billroth II, 91.5% in Whipple, and 93.2% in Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ). Cannulation success was 90.5% in RYGB, 90.5% in Billroth II, 83.6% in Whipple, and 90.6% in RYHJ. Intervention success was 88.2% in Billroth II, 65.1% in RYGB, 81.6% in Whipple, and 87.5% in RYHJ. In patients with RYGB and RYHJ, SBE was utilized most frequently, with rotational enteroscopy having the highest success rates. The overall adverse event rate was 5.1%, with the majority of these being mild in severity.ConclusionsThis large retrospective study found ERCP with forward-viewing endoscopes to be safe and effective for a variety of surgically altered anatomy types. Despite recent advances seen with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage procedures, this study advocates for ERCP as the initial approach for pancreaticobiliary access in surgically altered anatomy.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 39982243 · DOI · PMC11843866
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Acute pancreatitis [5]
- Research article ERCP-related adverse events: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline [6]
- Research article American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on Initial Management of Acute Pancreatitis [7]
- Research article ASGE guideline on the role of endoscopy in the evaluation and management of choledocholithiasis [8]
- Research article Initial Medical Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis: American Gastroenterological Association Institute Technical Review [9]
- Research article Pancreatic stents for prophylaxis against post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review [10]
References
- Cahyadi O, Tehami N, de-Madaria E, Siau K. Post-ERCP Pancreatitis: Prevention, Diagnosis and Management. . 2022. PMID 36143938 · DOI · PMC9502657
- Tari E, Gagyi EB, Rancz A, Veres DS, Váncsa S, Hegyi PJ, et al.. Morphology of the papilla can predict procedural safety and efficacy of ERCP-a systematic review and meta-analysis. . 2024. PMID 38538734 · DOI · PMC10973369
- Hosseini A, Sohouli MH, Sharifi E, Sayyari A, Sridharan K, Tajalli S, et al.. Indications, success, and adverse event rates of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a systematic review and meta-analysis. . 2023. PMID 37996785 · DOI · PMC10668434
- Han S, Kolb JM, Edmundowicz SA, Attwell AR, Hammad HT, Wani S, et al.. The Success and Safety of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy. . 2025. PMID 39982243 · DOI · PMC11843866
- Boxhoorn L, Voermans RP, Bouwense SA, Bruno MJ, Verdonk RC, Boermeester MA, et al.. Acute pancreatitis. Lancet. 2020. PMID 32891214 · DOI
- Dumonceau JM, Kapral C, Aabakken L, Papanikolaou IS, Tringali A, Vanbiervliet G, et al.. ERCP-related adverse events: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline. Endoscopy. 2020. PMID 31863440 · DOI
- Crockett SD, Wani S, Gardner TB, Falck-Ytter Y, Barkun AN, American Gastroenterological Association Institute Clinical Guidelines Committee. American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on Initial Management of Acute Pancreatitis. Gastroenterology. 2018. PMID 29409760 · DOI
- ASGE Standards of Practice Committee, Buxbaum JL, Abbas Fehmi SM, Sultan S, Fishman DS, Qumseya BJ, et al.. ASGE guideline on the role of endoscopy in the evaluation and management of choledocholithiasis. Gastrointest Endosc. 2019. PMID 30979521 · DOI · PMC8594622
- Vege SS, DiMagno MJ, Forsmark CE, Martel M, Barkun AN. Initial Medical Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis: American Gastroenterological Association Institute Technical Review. Gastroenterology. 2018. PMID 29421596 · DOI
- Choudhary A, Bechtold ML, Arif M, Szary NM, Puli SR, Othman MO, et al.. Pancreatic stents for prophylaxis against post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Gastrointest Endosc. 2011. PMID 21295641 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
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