The single-operator wire-guided cannulation technique doesn't require an experienced assistant and precise coordination between the assistant and endoscopist.

A new single-operator wire-guided cannulation technique was performed on all patients. All procedures were performed by the same experienced endoscopist, but with different assistants in two groups (with an experienced one in Group A, and a new trained one in Group B). The number of attempts at cannulation, cannulation time, success rate, and procedure-related complications were compared between the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• hospitalized patients with pancreas and biliary diseases referred to the authors for ERCP

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous endoscopic sphincterotomy,
• surgically altered anatomy (e.g. Billroth II gastrectomy) or
• diagnostic duodenoscopy