Cholangioscopy in biliary tract disease(Endoscopy, Jan-2026)

Cholangioscopy is an advanced endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the bile ducts and is commonly used to evaluate biliary tract diseases, including strictures, stones, and malignancies. It is particularly valuable in cases where traditional imaging modalities, such as ERCP, fail to provide definitive diagnoses. Cholangioscopy can facilitate targeted biopsies, therapeutic interventions (e.g., lithotripsy for bile duct stones), and aid in distinguishing benign from malignant biliary strictures.

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of cholangioscopy. For example, studies have shown that AI systems analyzing cholangioscopy footage outperform traditional sampling methods like brush cytology and forceps biopsy in identifying malignancy. AI systems, with sensitivity and specificity rates as high as 80.0% and 90.3%, respectively, can enhance clinical decision-making and reduce diagnostic uncertainty.