Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, also known as ERCP, is a both a treatment tool and an examination and diagnostic tool for the pancreas, bile ducts, liver, and gallbladder.
An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a procedure that combines x-ray and upper endoscopy. It is an exam of the upper gastrointestinal tract, consisting of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) using an endoscope, which is a lighted, flexible tube, about the thickness of a finger. The doctor passes the tube through the mouth and into the stomach, then injects a contrast dye into the ducts to look for blockages, which can be seen on x-ray.
What is ERCP used for?
An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an effective way to diagnose and treat a variety of disorders:
●Gallstones
●Biliary strictures or narrowing
●Unexplained jaundice
●Chronic pancreatitis
●Evaluation of suspected tumors of the biliary tracts