What is ERCP?




What is the Purpose of ERCP?

ERCP is used primarily to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, including gallstones, inflammatory strictures (scars), leaks (from trauma and surgery), and cancer. ERCP may be necessary to find the cause of jaundice, upper abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.

How to Prepare for ERCP Test?


Also, the physician will need to know whether you have any allergies, especially to iodine, which is in the dye. You must also arrange for someone to take you home, you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. The physician may give you other special instructions.

How is the Procedure Performed?

You will lie on your left side on an examining table in an X-ray room. You will be given some medication to numb your throat and a sedative to help you relax. The doctor will pass the endoscope into your mouth and navigate it through your esophagus, stomach and duodenum until it gets to the ducts of the biliary tree and pancreas.

You will then be turned to lie flat on your stomach, and the physician will pass a small plastic tube through the scope. Through the tube, the physician will inject a dye into the ducts to make them show up clearly on X-rays. X-rays are taken as soon as the dye is injected.

If the exam shows a gallstone or narrowing of the ducts, the physician can insert instruments into the scope to remove or relieve the obstruction. Biopsies may be taken for testing in a laboratory.


What are the Risks?

ERCP is a very safe test and complications are rare. Possible complications of ERCP include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), infection, bleeding, and perforation of the duodenum.

Although every effort is made to educate you on ERCP and take control, there will be specific information that will not be discussed. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about any concerns you have about ERCP.

  • American Gastroenterological Association
  • American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
  • Crohn's & Colitis , Foundation of America
^ Back to Top