ERCP Early ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), performed within 24 to 72 hours of presentation, is known to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Clinical trials indicate that MRCP can be as effective a diagnostic tool for acute pancreatitis with biliary etiology as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, but with the benefits of being less invasive and causing fewer complications.

The technology available at the end of the Second World War was still very modest The area under examination in the interior of the human body was illuminated with miniature electric lamps alternatively, attempts were made to reflect light from an external source into the body through the endoscopic tube.