Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP)

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a procedure in which a flexible lighted tube is passed through the mouth into the upper small intestine to visualize the opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas. Once this is identified, a narrow plastic tube is passed through the scope into the ducts. A contrast material or "dye" is gently injected, and x-ray pictures are taken which assist the physician in evaluating your condition. Samples can be taken from the ducts, and specialized equipment can be used to remove stones from these ducts if present. This procedure has to be done at the hospital, but patients can often go home immediately after the procedure.