Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis

Abstract

MRCP has high sensitivity and high specificity for stones greater than 5 mm in diameter and should be performed in preference to ERCP as the first-line investigation in patients with gallstones and abnormal liver function tests in the elective setting. Adoption of this guideline at our institution would result in a 9% reduction in the number of ERCPs performed.