ERCP and EUS are well-established diagnostic and therapeutic tools in a wide specter of pancreatobiliary diseases. To avoid unnecessary risk and complications these examinations must be indicated properly. The major threat of ERCP, acute post ERCP pancreatitis is the most frequent one. Attempts to prevent it pharmacologically reported unequivocal results, gabexate being the most promising drug. Temporary insertion of pancreatic stent seems to prevent from developing severe form of pancreatitis in most cases. Risk of cholangitis could be reduced by choice of proper accessories and technique of intervention. There is a small percentage of complications related to EUS. High volume centers seem to have fewer complications due to their expertise.

        Key words: complications of ERCP, risk factors, prevention, cholangitis, complications of EUS