Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP)

Technique

After sedation, ERCP is performed through the oral route.

During ERCP, contrast agents are injected that allow quick evaluation of bile duct and pancreatic ducts. Various therapeutic procedures can be performed.

This procedure helps in removing stones from the common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct. Stents can be placed in CBD that helps in the treatment of jaundice, while in Myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) it is useful for pain relief

Advantages

ERCP is a safe procedure that is commonly performed in routine care practices. However serious complications like cholangitis, pancreatitis, perforation can occur in 1-3% of cases, which may require a longer hospital stay.

Indications of ERCP:

Stones removal from the common bile duct or pancreatic duct

Removal of worm from CBD or pancreatic duct

Jaundice (caused due to obstruction of bile duct due to enlarged lymph node or cancer)

Dysfunction in Sphincter of oddi

Biliary ascites (caused due to leakage of bile from bile duct)

Stricture in CBD after surgery

Chronic pancreatitis resulting in ductal stricture in pancreas

Pancreatic ascites (due to leakage of pancreatic duct fluid)

Common bile duct obstruction (due to tumor in gall bladder, ampulla, pancreas and bile duct)