Cholangioscopy
What is ERCP?
ERCP is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat bile duct obstructions. An endoscope with a camera is inserted through the mouth and advanced to the duodenum to image the bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
Uses of ERCP:
Bile duct obstruction, commonly caused by stones
There are other reasons where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is performed.
- Narrowing of the bile duct
- Cholangitis (bile duct inflammation)
- Acute and chronic pancreatitis
- Acute and chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic tumors
Symptoms prompting ERCP:
- Abdominal pain
- Itching
- Vomiting and nausea
- Pale stools
- Dark urine
Pre-procedure Tests:
This procedure is usually used to obtain a sample or remove a blockage in the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts. Therefore, the doctor must ensure the diagnosis before performing this procedure through the following tests:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Percutaneous cholangiography
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Assessment of general health including kidney, respiratory, and cardiac functions
Preparation:
- Fast the night before the procedure.
- General anesthesia and painkillers are administered.
- Antibiotics may be given to some patients.
- The throat is numbed, and the endoscope is passed through the mouth to the common bile duct. X-ray imaging with contrast dye is
- The endoscope can also be used to remove stones, take biopsies, and insert stents.
Complications:
- Infection in the gallbladder or bile duct
- Allergic reactions to dye or anesthesia
- Perforation of the stomach, bile ducts, or small intestine
- Pancreatitis.
- Internal bleeding
