ERCP
What is ERCP?
ERCP, or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, is a highly technical procedure doctors use to look at and treat problems in your bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. These are all important parts of your digestive system.
During ERCP, your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end—called an endoscope—to go through your mouth and down into your digestive tract. Once the scope reaches the small intestine, a special dye is injected so X-rays can be taken. This allows your doctor to clearly see the bile and pancreatic ducts and spot any blockages, stones, or narrowing.
ERCP can not only help diagnose problems but also treat them during the same procedure—such as removing gallstones, placing a stent to open a blocked duct, or taking a tissue sample for testing.
If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call the office at (706) 548-0058. If you are having a medical emergency, get medical attention immediately at your nearest healthcare facility:
Piedmont Athens Regional: (706) 475-7000
St. Mary's Hospital: (706) 354-3000
This informational material is taken from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources.