ERCP examination is a combination of endoscopic and radiological methods. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is of greatest importance in the treatment of stenosis of the bile and pancreatic ducts and bile duct stones.

ExaminationERCP( endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ) imaging the extra- and intrahepaticbiliary tractand pancreatic duct. It is more accurate than ultrasound, which can give the correct image, despite the presence of the disease process. ERCP examination gives the greatest benefits, however, in the treatment of strictures of the bile and pancreatic ducts and in the treatment of stones in the common bile duct - it allows the endoscopic method to incise the biliary sphincter or remove the stones.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: indications

The indications for an ERCP test are:

  • unexplained jaundice
  • unexplained epigastric pain, especially in patients after gallbladder removal or biliary tract surgery
  • suspected urolithiasis or bile duct cancer
  • the need for optimal verification of the anatomical condition of the bile ducts (e.g. before a planned surgery)
  • suspected chronic pancreatic disease (cancer or chronic inflammation)

What should be reported to the doctor performing the examination?

  • difficulty swallowing
  • dyspnoea at rest
  • aggravation of the symptoms of ischemic heart disease
  • aortic aneurysm
  • taking anticoagulants or symptoms of a bleeding disorder
  • mental illness
  • drug allergy
  • glaucoma

If you are pregnant or in the second half of your menstrual cycle and you know you may have conceived, you cannot have this test.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: course

ERCP testing is performed in a hospital. Before the examination, you can not eat and drink for at least 6 hours. The test takes from several to several dozen minutes. Do not talk during the examination. The doctor will insert a catheter that allows you to administer the anesthetic intravenously - children may need general anesthesia. In the first stage, the doctor passes through the mouthputs you a fiberscope (duodenoscope) into the duodenum. Then, after finding the bile and pancreatic ducts, the patient uses a thin catheter to administer a contrast agent. On the X-ray monitor, he observes the emerging image of the "cast" of anatomical structures and makes radiological photographic documentation. After the examination, it is recommended to stay in bed for several hours.

ERCP study: complications

A rare complication after the examination may be acute pancreatitis, cholangitis (usually when the outflow of contrast is difficult), pancreatic pseudocyst infection.

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