Obesity unit

Consultants

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

It is a procedure to examine the bile ducts and is done through an endoscope and with the help of radiological imaging. The bile ducts are the pathways that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and the small intestine. ERCP is used to treat stones, tumors, or narrow areas of the bile ducts.

Why is the procedure performed?

The procedure is used primarily to treat or diagnose any problem of the pancreas or bile ducts that may cause abdominal pain (most often in the upper right or middle area of the stomach) and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

ERCP can be used to: Open the ducts, dilate stenosis of the bile ducts, remove gallstones, take tissue samples to diagnose a tumor of the pancreas, bile ducts or gallbladder, and / or drain blocked areas.

Before the procedure

Normally, imaging tests will be done to diagnose the cause of the symptoms before performing an ERCP. This includes abdominal ultrasound, tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

The patient needs a previous blood test and at least 8 hours of fasting. After the procedure you will stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours.