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DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-834493
MRCP does not Significantly Reduce ERCP Workload
Magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) is increasingly used as a non-invasive method of imaging the biliary and pancreatic ducts, representing an acceptable alternative to diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) in many cases. However, access to MRCP is often limited.
Aims: To assess the impact of a local MRCP service on the pattern of referrals for ERCP and on the relative number of diagnostic procedures performed.
Methods: We reviewed all ERCPs performed in our institution for one year immediately before and one year after the introduction of an MRCP service in Waterford Regional Hospital in November 2002.
Results: 275 ERCPs were performed on patients from South Eastern Health Board hospitals over the 12-month period prior to the availability of MRCP with 284 procedures performed in the subsequent year. A total of 102 MRCP examinations were performed during its first year. There was no reduction in the relative number of normal ERCPs performed and no increase in the interventions required.
Conclusion: MRCP is a useful diagnostic tool but in its first year had little impact on ERCP service provision.