ERCP(Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
ERCP is an endoscopic procedure done by the Gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat problems in the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct. Its main indications are treating CBD stones and jaundice. ERCP is done through combination of endoscopy and a type of x-ray imaging called as fluoroscopy.
This procedure in done in anaesthesia. First, an endoscope is guided down through the patient’s mouth into the stomach. The doctor inserts a dye into the bile ducts so that they will appear on an x-ray image. The video footage taken by the camera on the tip of the endoscope plays back on a computer monitor that the doctor watches to find abnormalities and the x-ray images can show blockages or narrowing of the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct
TREATMENT OPTIONS WITH ERCP
The gastroenterologist can treat blockages or narrowing found in the bile ducts and pancreatic during ERCP. Specialized tools are inserted through the endoscope to:
- Take tissue biopsies
- Break up and remove bile duct stones
- Stop bleeding from this area
- Place stents
- Dilate narrowing in bile and pancreatic duct
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE ERCP PROCEDURE ?
Patient has to be 6-8 hours fasting. The patient will be under sedation during this procedure. There may me mild-moderate pain during the procedure. Patient cannot eat or drink the day of the procedure. Complications post procedure are from 1 -5%.
