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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is ERCP?
- Why Does a Patient Need ERCP?
- How is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Performed?
What is ERCP?
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be explained as a combination of upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and x-rays. It is a diagnostic procedure used to diagnose diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas, biliary system, and liver. This procedure can also be used to treat problems in these organs.
Why Does a Patient Need ERCP?
Doctors recommend ERCP when the patient’s bile or pancreatic ducts become narrowed or blocked. This test helps them diagnose the cause which could be:
- Trauma
- Gallstones
- Infection
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Acute pancreatitis
- Pancreatic pseudocysts
- Surgical complications
- Tumors or cancers of the pancreas
- Tumors or cancers of the bile duct
How is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Performed?
The patient who has to undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should not take food 8 hours before the procedure. During ERCP, the gastroenterologist will examine the inside of the digestive system using an endoscope. He will feed a tiny catheter into the bile duct where it joins the intestine. He will then squirt a contrast agent to see the gallbladder, bile ducts, and the pancreatic duct on the X-rays.
In many cases, the doctor may choose to treat the condition right away based on the condition. Some of such procedures are:
Sphincterotomy: In this procedure, the doctor will make a small incision at the opening of the pancreatic duct or the bile duct. This will allow small gallstones, bile, and pancreatic juice to drain appropriately.
Stent placement: A stent is placed in the bile duct or the pancreatic duct to allow it to drain.
Gallstone removal: Through ERCP, the doctor can remove gallstones from the bile duct
After the ERCP, the doctor may ask the patient to stay back in the hospital for an hour or two. This is to keep him under observation.
