ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used to study the ducts of the pancreas, gall bladder and liver. 

Under sedation, a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus and stomach and then into the first part of the small intestine. X-ray dye is then used to get an image of where the ‘drainage tubes’ (bile duct and pancreatic duct) connect onto the bowel.

If required, a small cut may be made into the muscle surrounding the opening to the bile duct (sphincterotomy) to allow better drainage of the bile duct or to perform other procedures such as biopsy, removing stones, placing stents.

ERCP is done as a day case procedure.  Patients need to fast beforehand.  Recovery is usually straightforward with no/minimal after-effects from the procedure.  Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you in detail if this is recommended for you.