IACPV RESEARCH

Posted By Clod on June 7, 2011

Q.What is an ERCP test?

A.ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This is a fancy term for an exam that combines endoscopy and radiography to examine the duct system that connects the gallbladder, the liver and the small intestine. In this procedure, the doctor inserts an endoscope — a long tube with a tiny viewing device at its tip — into the patient’s mouth, threading it down the throat, through the stomach, and into the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine).

The doctor finds the point where the bile ducts enter the duodenum. This area is known as the ampulla of Vater. After the ampulla is found, the doctor can introduce catheters into the ducts and inject contrast material into them. X-rays of the ducts can then reveal any abnormalities in the ducts.

A.The procedure, which requires great endoscopic skill, takes a long time for gastroenterologists to master. As in an upper endoscopic exam, the patient receives IV sedatives and painkillers prior to the test to make it a more comfortable experience. ERCP can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.

If your doctor has referred you for this test, be sure to discuss with him/her (or with the gastroenterologist who will be performing the test) the reason for the test. ERCP is performed for a number of reasons. Most commonly, people who have gallstones and are suspected of having a stone stuck in a bile duct undergo ERCP before having their gallbladder removed to clear the duct of stones.

ERCP is also done to evaluate patients who have episodes of pancreatitis for which no obvious cause can be found. Problems in the pancreatic duct are often found during an ERCP. Also, patients who have enlargement of either the pancreatic or bile duct are often referred for ERCP to rule out cancer of these ducts. There are other indications for ERCP that mostly relate to very specific clinical conditions.

Categories: Health
Tags: ampulla, endoscopic, radiography