This procedure combines the use of endoscopy and radiology. It enables a gastroenterologist to evaluate and often treat diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. ERCP may be performed for a variety of reasons, most commonly to assess bile ducts that may be blocked or narrowed due to gallstones, sclerosis/scarring, infection, and tumors.
An endoscope is used to visualize the first part of the small intestine, where your bile duct and pancreatic duct drain. A catheter is then placed and guided in to the proper duct, allowing the gastroenterologist to visualize - in real time - potential abnormalities. In many cases, the gastroenterologist can guide special devices through the endoscope to perform procedures such as removing stones or treating any potential blockages or narrowed areas that are found.
Related Blogs:
Nutrition and Inflammatory Markers in Chronic Pancreatitis
Dr. Sandhu recently published an academic article in the Nutrition Clinical Practice Volume 34 Number 3, called Nutrition in Clinical Practice. The article discusses Nutrition and Inflammatory Markers in Chronic Pancreatitis. To date, there...