endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Last reviewed 06/2021
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure performed under sedation where a side-viewing endoscope is introduced into the duodenum via the mouth. A cannula is passed into the biliary and pancreatic ducts.
The introduction of radio-opaque contrast through the cannula permits the visualisation of the biliary and pancreatic ductal systems by radiography.
Therapeutic procedures such as sphincterotomy and gallstone removal are possible.