Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.
Purpose of the Procedure
ERCP is used to diagnose and treat conditions such as gallstones, tumors, or strictures in the bile ducts or pancreas.
Procedure
- The patient is sedated or given general anesthesia.
- An endoscope is passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the duodenum.
- A smaller tube is passed through the endoscope into the bile and pancreatic ducts.
- Contrast dye is injected and X-rays are taken to visualize the ducts.
- If necessary, treatments such as stone removal or stent placement can be performed.
Note: ERCP is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.
Benefits
- Allows for both diagnosis and treatment in one procedure
- Less invasive than traditional surgery
- Can provide relief from painful symptoms