title: New options of cholangioscopy.
abstract: In the evaluation of biliary diseases, cholangioscopy is considered as complementary procedure to radiographic imaging. Direct visualization of the bile duct is the premier advantage of cholangioscopy over indirect imaging techniques. However, cholangioscopy has not gained wide acceptance because of several technical limitations such as scope fragility, impaired steerability, limited irrigation, and suction capabilities, as well as the need for two experienced endoscopists. Recent innovations such as the implementation of electronic video cholangioscopes and the development of single-operator systems facilitate the procedure, and promise to increase the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of cholangioscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Kirchfeldstraße 40, 40217 Düsseldorf, Germany. grischa.terheggen@googlemail.com
authors.forename: Grischa
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Terheggen
authors.forename: Horst
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Neuhaus
mesh_terms: D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000473:pathology*; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000379:methods*; D020698:Duodenoscopes; D006801:Humans