ERCP
Endoscopy is the examination of an internal body part with an instrument called an endoscope. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique that uses X-ray to view the patient’s bile and pancreatic ducts. The functions of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct are to drain the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas; the two main ducts convey the bile and the pancreatic juice through the papilla into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) . The most common reason why someone would need an ERCP is because of a blockage of one of these ducts (often due to gallstones). Generally, prior to ERCP blood tests and noninvasive imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomographic (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed.
Dr.Yogesh will examine the bile and/or pancreatic ducts, looking for abnormalities such as blockages, irregularity in the tissue, problems with the flow of bile or pancreatic fluid, stones, or tumors. If a problem is found, the endoscopist can often perform a procedure to repair or improve the condition; as a result, ERCP has replaced surgery in most patients with common bile duct and pancreatic disease.
Many patients who need ERCP are hospitalized, but ERCP can also be performed as an outpatient procedure, depending on the patient’s condition and on the complexity of the required procedure.
