Gallbladder (GB) dysfunction is a motility disorder caused primarily by metabolic abnormalities or by alterations in primary motility. Sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction includes motor abnormalities of the biliary or pancreatic sphincter of Oddi.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an endoscopic technique used to examine and treat diseases of the biliary tract, pancreatic duct, and gallbladder. The bile ducts are the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder; the pancreatic duct carries pancreatic juice from the pancreas. Both of these tubes empty into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. So how is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography performed and what should be noted when passing the scope to the ampulla of Vater?

Gastrointestinal surgeons and endoscopists are familiar with the normal anatomy of the biliary tract. This article focuses on the presentation of normal and other biliary tract abnormalities on cholangiographic images to distinguish them from pathologic conditions.