Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. During ERCP, a flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and guided through the digestive tract to the small intestine. From there, a contrast dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts, allowing detailed X-ray images to be taken. This procedure can identify blockages, stones, or tumours, and it also enables therapeutic interventions such as removing stones, placing stents, or performing biopsies. ERCP is typically performed under sedation and requires careful post-procedure monitoring, but it offers significant benefits in managing and treating complex biliary and pancreatic disorders with minimal invasiveness.