What is endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography and what is it used for? This ERCP video explains it all.
What is ERCP?
Short for endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography, ERCP is a procedure that enables your doctor to examine your pancreatic and bile ducts. The procedure combines an endoscopy with X-rays to produce detailed images that allow your doctor to study the condition of these ducts. An ERCP can also be used before and after a gall bladder surgery to guide the surgical procedure.
ERCP Procedure: Steps to Take Note Of
ERCP is performed using a special side-viewing endoscope, a long and flexible tube, which allows a detailed examination of the bile and pancreatic ducts. The endoscope is first inserted through your mouth and pushed carefully into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. A small plastic tube will then be inserted through the endoscope to the bile and pancreatic ducts, with a small amount of dye injected into the tubes.
The dye enables X-ray images of your abdomen to be taken and then assessed by your doctor.
This article was last reviewed on
Friday, January 11, 2019