ERCP
ERCP is a procedure used to diagnose and treat diseases of the gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, and liver.
Why it is done
Doctors perform ERCP when the bile or pancreatic ducts have become narrowed or blocked due to:
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Pancreatic pseudocysts
- Tumors or cancers of the bile ducts
- Tumors or cancers of the pancreas
How it is done
During the procedure, the doctor inserts an endoscope down the patient’s esophagus, through the stomach and into the duodenum.
A small camera on the endoscope sends a video image to a monitor. The doctor then locates the opening where the bile and pancreatic ducts empty into the duodenum and sends a thin, flexible tube, through the endoscope and into the ducts.
The doctor then injects a special dye in order to make the ducts more visible on the x-rays and looks for narrowed areas or any blockages. At this point, the doctor can then use different tools to open the ducts, break up or remove stones, perform a biopsy or insert stents.
