Common bile duct investigation in patients with mild biliary pancreatitis. when and how? A prospective analysis of 48 patients.

Background/aims: To define how and when patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis must have their biliary tree investigated.

Methodology: We analyzed 48 patients' files with mild biliary pancreatitis between 1995 and 2004. After clinical treatment, magnetic resonance or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and then surgery was performed.