Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a procedure that allows the doctor to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

This procedure uses X-rays to look at the ducts (tubes) that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Sometimes gallbladder cancer causes these ducts to narrow and block or slow the flow of bile, causing jaundice. An endoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the first part of the small intestine. A catheter (a smaller tube) is then inserted through the endoscope into the bile ducts. A dye is injected through the catheter into the ducts and an X-ray is taken. This allows the doctor to examine the inside of these organs and detect any abnormalities. If the ducts are blocked by a tumor, a fine tube may be inserted into the duct to unblock it. This tube (or stent) may be left in place to keep the duct open. Tissue samples may also be taken.