Most sensitive means of detecting biliary ductal calculi, biliary tumors, sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal cysts, fistulas, and bile duct leaks; may be performed via endoscopic (transampullary) or percutaneous (transhepatic) route; allows sampling of bile and ductal epithelium for cytologic analysis and culture; allows placement of biliary drainage catheter and stricture dilation; endoscopic route (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram [ERCP]) permits manometric evaluation of sphincter of Oddi, sphincterotomy, and stone extraction.