20/08/2025
ERCP, or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It involves inserting a flexible, lighted tube (endoscope) through the mouth, down the esophagus, stomach, and into the small intestine to visualize these organs and inject a special dye to enhance X-ray imaging.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it is: ERCP is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine and treat issues within the biliary and pancreatic systems, which include the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
How it's done:
Endoscopy:
An endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light, is guided through the mouth, down the esophagus, stomach, and into the small intestine (duodenum).
Cannulation:
The endoscope is used to locate the opening where the bile and pancreatic ducts empty into the duodenum. A thin catheter is then passed through the endoscope and into these ducts.
Dye Injection:
A special dye (contrast medium) is injected through the catheter into the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Fluoroscopy:
X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) is used to visualize the ducts and identify any abnormalities, such as blockages, stones, or tumors.
Therapeutic Interventions:
If problems are identified, various treatments can be performed during the ERCP, such as removing gallstones, dilating narrowed ducts, or placing stents.
Why it's used:
Diagnosis:
ERCP helps diagnose the cause of unexplained abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pancreatitis, and suspected tumors in the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts.
Treatment:
It is used to remove gallstones from the bile ducts, relieve blockages, dilate narrowed ducts, and place stents to improve drainage.
Potential complications: ERCP, while minimally invasive, can carry risks, including pancreatitis, bleeding, infection, and perforation, especially if a sphincterotomy is performed.
In summary, ERCP is a valuable procedure for both diagnosing and treating a range of conditions affecting the biliary and pancreatic systems.
