Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

• In this technique, a small diameter soft tube with a camera is introduced into the stomach through the mouth. The doctor can view inside of the stomach and part of the small intestine. A tube is then introduced in the ampulla and a dye is introduced through the tube and X-rays are taken.
• If the doctor faces difficulty in reaching the ducts a small cut is given to make way for the tube.
• With the help of fine instruments tissue samples can be obtained and obstructions removed in the same procedure.
• The test is usually done to detect obstructions (stones, tumors) in the ducts that carry bile and pancreatic juice into the small intestine.¹⁰
• The test being invasive is not preferred and other options of scanning are usually recommended. It is done when there is ductal obstruction that needs to be relieved or to obtain tissue samples in periampullary carcinomas.
• ERCP is also used to obtain a biopsy in difficult circumstances or to insert a drainage tube (stent) in the bile duct to relieve jaundice.