Although the effectivity of an urgent ERCP was confirmed,some aspects relating to this method are still discused.Timing of this procedure has not been estalished yet.Whereas there is no doubt about indication with decompression of the common bile duct in acute cholangitis,views on the effectiveness of examination incl. papillotomy in case of acute pancreatitis are not uniform.The authors demonstrate a group of 538 patients who had urgent ERCP within the last three years with a successful cannulation rate of 93 %.The experience of large centres is confirmed as the great efficiency and effectivity of this procedure when the standard conditions and processes are respected.

        Key words: urgent ERCP