ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a specialized technique used to study the bile ducts, pancreatic duct and gallbladder. This procedure allows the physician to remove stones from the bile duct and relieve obstruction of the bile duct caused by benign or malignant growths, by insertion of plastic or metallic stents.
This is a safe procedure performed by passing a thin flexible endoscope through the mouth, esophagus, stomach and into the duodenum and then accessing the bile duct and pancreas by inserting a plastic catheter into a tiny opening in the side wall of the duodenum. Like most procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure but a major benefit is the ability to relieve obstruction and clear the bile duct of stones by a non-invasive endoscopic approach, avoiding the need for invasive surgery.