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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a minimally invasive technique for diagnosing and treating diseases of the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts.

During ERCP, a flexible tube (an endoscope) is passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the first part of the small intestine. Dye is injected through the tube into the pancreatic and bile ducts, and an x-ray is taken (see image below).

ercp

This example of an ERCP x-ray shows stones in the bile ducts.

Instruments can also be inserted through the scope to remove stones, insert drains, remove tissue samples, or perform other treatments.

ERCP is usually performed in an outpatient setting under mild sedation

 

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General Surgery University of Wisconsin Department of Surgery
First published: 07/15/02 Last updated: 11/07/09 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
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