The authors describe their experience with urgent endoscopic procedures of the papilla Vater. They consider septic cholangitis and acute pancreatitis indications for endoscopic papillotomy. The authors made a total of 27 operations, incl. 22 on account of pancreatitis and five on account of cholangitis. One female patient with necrotizing pancreatitis caused by a protracted sepsis and multiorgan failure, died. Otherwise there were no serious complications; after the majority of operations a steep drop of pathological laboratory values was recorded. One of the most important factors for successful endoscopic intervention is in the authors' opinion rapid action. With regard to the favourable initial results the authors recommend a detailed multi-centre prospective randomized study.

2 chirurgická klinika FN U sv Anny Brno