BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to evaluate normal Korean pancreaticobiliary ducts and to assess the prevalence and pattern of variations and anomalies of theses structures. METHODS: We performed this multicenter study in which 7 university hospitals in Korea participated from March 1997 until June 1999. Total 10,243 ERCP cases were reviewed during this study period. RESULTS: 1) Maximal and midportion diameters of common bile ducts were 6.4+/-1.8 mm and 5.5+/-1.7 mm, respectively. Maximal and midportion diameters of pancreas head were 3.2+/-1.1 mm and 2.7+/-1.0 mm, respectively. Pancreaticobiliary duct diameters of subjects above the age of 40 were greater than those of subjects below the age of 40 (p<0.05). 2) The prevalence of choledochal cyst was 0.32%. The prevalence of gallbladder anomalies and anomalous union of pancreaticobiliary duct was 4.2% and 4.1%, respectively. The prevalence of pancreas divisum and annular pancreas was 0.49% and 0.05%, respectively. The most common type of pancreaticobiliary duct union was V shape (60.2%), followed by U shape (23.7%) and Y shape (16.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding normal pancreaticobiliary structures and being aware of the prevalence and pattern of variations and anomalies of pancreaticobiliary structures will be helpful to diagnose and treat patients with pancreaticobiliary problems.
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Choledochal Cyst ; Common Bile Duct ; Gallbladder ; Head ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Korea ; Pancreas ; Prevalence