Biliary pancreatitis accounts for 30 - 60 % of all cases of acute pancreatitis. During the last ten years a number of randomized trials was implemented which evaluated the role of acute endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and papillosphincterotomy in the treatment of biliary pancreatitis. From analysis of different trials ensues that an urgent endoscopic operation is indicated unequivocally in patients with the acute form of biliary pancreatitis, furthermore in patients with concurrent cholangoitis or the presence of obstructive jaundice. The author assumes that, based on detailed analysis of the results, urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be recommended also in patients with the mild form of the disease provided the operation will be made within 12 hours after admission to hospital and that the operation will be implemented by an experienced endoscopist.

        Key words: Biliary pancreatitis - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography - Papillosphincterotomy