Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) at Fortis Hospital Anandapur, Kolkata

About the Procedure

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, also known as ERCP, is a minimally invasive procedure that combines use of X-ray and an endoscope. This procedure is used to diagnose and treat problems of the upper Gastrointestinal Tract and related organs like Liver, Gall Bladder, Bile ducts and Pancreas. It uses a thin, long, flexible, lighted tube called endoscope which is inserted through the mouth and down the throat into the small intestine and a dye (contrast material) is then injected to highlight these organs under X-ray. The procedure is used to detect a block and identify probable cause, or infection in a bile duct or pancreatic duct; and to collect samples of cells or tissue (called a biopsy). Sometimes a stent may be placed through the scope to relieve any blockage in these ducts to allow passage of bile or pancreatic juice onto the intestine.

About Outcomes

A commonly performed endoscopic procedure, ERCP is usually safe and well-tolerated, though success of the procedure may vary depending upon various patient and care related factors like age, gender, presence of anatomical variants, previous upper abdominal surgery, the success of the cannulation, technique etc. A higher success rate of biliary cannulation leads to better outcome and lower complications

Clinical Outcomes (ERCP)