History and Objectives: Due to prevalence of biliary tract and pancreatic disease and their known side effects and questionable surgical treatment, diagnostic value of ERCP and PTC, various discrepancies on the diagnostic values of these two methods, the present investigation was carried out on patients referred to Ayatollah Taleghani hospital in 1995.

Materials and Methods: A diagnostic clinical trial was performed on 44 patients with obstructive icterus and indication for surgery. Patient’s consent was obtained. Patient’s profile including age, sex, ERCP, PTC findings were recorded (Form No.1). Surgical observation, pathological data as the etiology of the disease was collected in a double blind manner and recorded in form No.2. Data were classified and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and usefulness was determined.

Results: Patients were in 25-80 (Mean 55) age range (Female 45.5%, male 54.5%). 70% were referred with icterus and RUQ pain. Sensitivity, specificity and usefulness of ERCP were 84%, 100% and 84% respectively. The data for PTC were 90%, 100% and 90% respectively.

Conclusion: Performing ERCP and PTC and can be beneficial to the diagnosis of the disease. In case of obstructive biliary tract PTC (Due to simplicity) is recommended. Further research into diagnostic efficacy of these two methods is needed. Etiologic study on pancreatic diseases and biliary diseases is suggested.