Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) Test Overview An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) test checks the tubes (ducts) that drain the liver , gallbladder , and pancreas . A flexible, lighted scope ( endoscope ) and X-ray pictures are used. The scope is put through the mouth and gently moved down the throat. It goes into your esophagus , stomach , and duodenum until it reaches the point where the ducts from the pancreas and gallbladder drain into the duodenum. X-rays will then be taken. ERCP can treat certain problems found during the test. In some cases, your doctor can insert small tools through the scope to: Take a sample of tissue ( biopsy ) from an abnormal growth. Then it can be checked for problems. Remove a gallstone in the common bile duct . Open a narrowed bile duct. A narrowed bile duct can be opened by inserting a small wire-mesh or plastic tube (called a stent ) in the duct. Why It Is Done Check lasting belly pain or jaundice .

Find gallstones or diseases of the liver , bile ducts, or pancreas . Remove gallstones from the common bile duct if they are causing problems. These may include a blockage (obstruction), inflammation or infection of the common bile duct (cholangitis), or pancreatitis . Open a narrowed bile duct or insert a drain. Get a tissue sample for further testing ( biopsy ). Measure the pressure inside the bile ducts (manometry). Continued How To Prepare Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your test may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the test, do so using only a sip of water. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics before the test, take them as directed. You need to take the full course of antibiotics . Tell your doctor if you: Have hay fever , hives , food or medicine allergies , or asthma . Are allergic to shellfish (shrimp, scallops, lobster). Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to iodine, such as that used in the contrast material for X-ray tests. Have had a digestive tract study that used barium, such as a barium enema , within the last week.

Are taking blood -thinning medicines, such as aspirin or warfarin ( Coumadin ). You may need to stop these medicines for a while before you have the test. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?). You will be asked to empty your bladder . You will also need to remove any dentures, jewelry, or contact lenses before you have this test. How It Is Done An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) is usually done by a gastroenterologist . This is a doctor who has special training in diseases of the digestive system . The doctor must be trained in endoscopy . A thin, flexible fiber-optic endoscope (scope) is used. This test is done in the hospital. You may have to stay overnight if your doctor takes out gallstones or places a stent during the test. Otherwise, you can go home after the test. An ERCP usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

You will be in the recovery room 1 to 2 hours. Your throat may be numbed with an anesthetic spray, gargle, or lozenge to relax your gag reflex. This makes it easier to insert the scope. Shortly before the test begins, an intravenous (IV) line will be placed in a vein in your arm. You will get pain medicine and a sedative through the IV during the test. You may also get an antibiotic through the IV. Continued You will need to lie on your left side. Your head will be tilted slightly forward. A mouth guard may be inserted to protect your teeth from the scope. The scope's tip will be lubricated. The doctor will guide it into your mouth while gently pressing your tongue out of the way. You may be asked to swallow to help move the tube along. The scope is no thicker than many foods you swallow. When the scope is in your esophagus , your head will be tilted upright to help the scope slide down. Then your doctor will slowly move the scope into your stomach and duodenum . Your doctor looks at all three of these areas as the scope moves forward. When it reaches your duodenum, you will be turned over to lie flat on your belly.

A small amount of air will be injected through the scope. This makes it easier for the doctor to see. The doctor will move the scope forward until it reaches the point where the ducts from the pancreas and gallbladder drain into the duodenum. A thin tube called a catheter is then passed through the scope into that area. Then contrast material is injected into the bile or pancreatic ducts. Several X-rays are taken. You will stay on your belly until the X-rays are ready to view. If needed, the doctor may take more X-rays. The doctor may insert small tools through the scope. This allows the doctor to take a tissue sample, remove a gallstone, open a narrowed bile duct, or place a stent. When the test is done, the scope is slowly withdrawn. After the test After the test, you will be observed in a recovery room. If your throat was numbed before the test, you will not be allowed to eat or drink until your throat is no longer numb. You will need to be able to swallow without choking. You can then eat and drink normally. If your doctor removed a gallstone or placed a stent during the test, you may need to stay a night in the hospital.

You cannot drive or return to work for 24 hours. If you can go home the day of the test, you will need to have someone drive you. Your doctor will check for signs of problems before you go home. After the test, you may feel bloated and notice a temporary change in your bowel habits. This is because air was used to open the bile and pancreatic ducts. Call your doctor if you have bleeding from the rectum or if your stools look black or bloody. Continued How It Feels You may notice a brief, sharp burning or stinging when the IV is started in your arm. The local anesthetic sprayed into your throat usually tastes slightly bitter. It will make your tongue and throat feel numb and swollen. Some people report feeling as though they cannot breathe sometimes because of the tube in their throat. This is a false sensation caused by the anesthetic. There is always plenty of breathing space around the tube in your mouth and throat. Remember to relax and take slow, deep breaths. You may gag, feel nauseated or bloated, or have mild belly cramps as the tube is moved. If the discomfort is severe, alert your doctor with an agreed-upon signal or tap on the arm.

Even though you won't be able to talk during the test, you can still communicate. The IV medicines will make you feel sleepy. You may not be able to remember much of what happens during or for several hours after the test. You may have heavy eyelids, trouble speaking, a dry mouth , or blurred vision for several hours after the test. You may feel flushed when the contrast material is injected. After the test After the test, you may have gas and feel bloated for a while. You may also have a dry and tickling throat, slight hoarseness, or a mild sore throat for several days. Using throat lozenges and gargling with warm salt water can help relieve your throat symptoms. Because of the IV medicines used during this test, do not drink alcohol, drive, or sign any legal documents for 24 hours after the test. Continued You can't stay still during the test. Continued What To Think About Depending on the ERCP results, you may need other tests to confirm a diagnosis. These may include angiography or laparoscopy. If you have belly pain or jaundice , your doctor might suggest that you have a different test before you have ERCP.

It may be a test that costs less or can be done without entering the body. This may include a CT scan , an MRI scan, or an abdominal ultrasound . An imaging test called magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatogram (MRCP) can show the bile ducts and help diagnose medical conditions. But doctors can't do biopsies or treatment during an MRCP. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) test has a small ultrasound probe at the end of the scope. It may offer a more detailed view of parts of the digestive tract than ERCP. EUS also lets the doctor see certain organs of the body near the digestive tract. These include the pancreas and bile ducts. EUS may help diagnose noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tumors of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and bile ducts. References Stable & silent tables for ERCP & GI | Surgical Tables Inc Home | Medical specialities | ERCP & GI tables ERCP & GI tables Our mobile Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) table is ideal for use in ERCP and gastro-intestinal procedures.

The combination of a C-arm and an ERCP table supports the use of fluoroscopic guidance to diagnose and treat problems with the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. With real-time X-ray and injectable dies, physicians can view the inside of the stomach and duodenum. Along with a C-arm to perform an ERCP procedure, a multi-movement carbon fiber imaging table is necessary. Our tables are designed for ERCP and GI procedures that require stability, caregiver access, and silent and vibration-free operation. The X-Y travel motion is perfect for ERCP procedures that are image-guided, and our carbon fiber tabletop supports the use of portable C-arms as well as ceiling-hung models. The radiolucent area of the table surface has been designed to not have any cross-members thereby enabling full visualization and easy C-Arm positioning.

ERCP Tables Offer the Best Choice when it comes to Performance and Price When you look at the features we’ve packed into our ERCP table, you’ll see why practices across the country are using them for their delicate procedures: Cantilevered, diving board style design offers provider easy C-arm access 500 lbs patient capacity Comfortable 2″ high-quality padding means greater patient comfort Multiple motorized movements 27″ table width eliminates arm boards requirements in most cases Added safety and stability with easy-to-use wheel lock Superior maneuverability means easy and safe table-to-table patient transfer With cost effective versatility and technology designed into each of our ERCP tables, you’ll be able to meet your patients’ needs while keeping within your own budgetary requirements. Give your procedure room the flexibility and efficiency that comes with a Surgical Tables Inc. MAX-ERCP table . For a price quote or more information, call 888-737-5044 today.

Our MAX-ERCP imaging table is a perfect match for ERCP/GI procedures, providing a flexible and economical solution for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and physician’s offices alike: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Overview, Periprocedural Care, Technique Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Author: Ahmad Malas, MD; Chief Editor: Kurt E Roberts, MD more... Share Overview Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique that uses a combination of luminal endoscopy and fluoroscopic imaging to diagnose and treat conditions associated with the pancreatobiliary system. The endoscopic portion of the examination uses a side-viewing duodenoscope that is passed through the esophagus and stomach and into the second portion of the duodenum (see video and image below). Based on data from 2004, it is estimated that about 500,000 procedures are performed annually in the United States. [ 1 ] However, because of a decrease in diagnostic ERCP with the advent of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), this number is likely decreasing.

This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows the insertion of a side-viewing duodenoscope and advancement into the stomach and into the duodenum. The scope is then reduced into the short position, bringing the ampulla into view. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. View Media Gallery With the scope in this position, the major duodenal papilla is identified and inspected for abnormalities. This structure is a protrusion of the hepatopancreatic ampulla (also known as the ampulla of Vater) into the duodenal lumen. The ampulla is the convergence point of the ventral pancreatic duct and common bile duct (CBD) and thus acts as a conduit for drainage of bile and pancreatic secretions into the duodenum. The minor duodenal papilla is also located in the second portion of the duodenum and serves as the access point for the dorsal pancreatic duct. Evaluation of the dorsal pancreatic duct with ERCP is rarely performed; indications are discussed below.

After the papilla has been examined with the side-viewing endoscope, selective cannulation of either the CBD or the ventral pancreatic duct is performed. Once the chosen duct is cannulated, either a cholangiogram (CBD) or a pancreatogram (pancreatic duct) is obtained fluoroscopically after injection of radiopaque contrast material into the duct. ERCP is now primarily a therapeutic procedure; thus, abnormalities that are visualized fluoroscopically can typically be addressed by means of specialized accessories passed through the working channel of the endoscope. Because ERCP is an advanced technique, it is associated with a higher frequency of serious complications than other endoscopic procedures are. Accordingly, specialized training and equipment are required, and the procedure should be reserved for appropriate indications. Indications Since its first description in the late 1960s as a diagnostic technique, [ 2 ] ERCP has evolved into an almost exclusively therapeutic procedure. The main reason for this evolution is that diagnostic modalities have been developed that are less invasive than ERCP but possess similar sensitivity and specificity for disease processes of the hepatobiliary system.

[ 3 ] Imaging techniques currently used in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary processes include computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). The use of these modalities, in conjunction with pertinent clinical information (eg, the clinical history, physical examination findings, and laboratory data), can help select those patients for whom ERCP is most appropriate. Because ERCP has a higher rate of severe complications than most other endoscopic procedures do, having an appropriate indication for its use is extremely important. In fact, most ERCP-related legal claims center on the aptness of the indication for the procedure. [ 4 ] The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has published guidelines regarding the role of ERCP in biliary tract and pancreatic diseases. [ 5 ] The indications contained in these guidelines, divided according to organ system, may be summarized as follows. Routine ERCP before laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not indicated.

Indications for biliary disease include the following: Assessment and treatment of biliary obstruction secondary to choledocholithiasis - Precholecystectomy ERCP may be indicated when persistent or worsening jaundice, persistent or worsening pancreatitis, or ascending cholangitis is present Treatment of choledocholithiasis identified during cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography or CBD exploration without stone extraction Assessment and treatment of bile duct strictures - Malignant strictures, benign strictures, congenital bile duct abnormalities (see image below) Biliary obstruction secondary to chronic pancreatitis. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker.

Postoperative complications Assessment and treatment of postoperative biliary leaks Assessment and treatment of selected patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), with limited benefit in modified Milwaukee classification type III patients [ 6 ] Indications for pancreatic disease include the following: Assessment and possible treatment in patients with an unknown underlying cause of recurrent, acute pancreatitis Assessment and treatment of symptomatic strictures associated with chronic pancreatitis Assessment and treatment of symptomatic pancreatic duct stones Assessment and treatment of symptomatic pancreatic duct stones (see image below) Technique for pancreatic stone extraction. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker. Indications for ampullary disease include the following: Assessment and treatment of ampullary adenomas Assessment of ampullary malignancy Contraindications Absolute contraindications for ERCP include patient refusal to undergo the procedure; unstable cardiopulmonary, neurologic, or cardiovascular status; and existing bowel perforation.

Structural abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine may be relative contraindications for ERCP. Examples are acquired conditions such as esophageal stricture, paraesophageal herniation, esophageal diverticulum, gastric volvulus, gastric outlet obstruction, and small bowel obstruction. An altered surgical anatomy, such as is seen after partial gastrectomy with Billroth II or Roux-en-Y jejunostomy, may also be a relative contraindication for ERCP. Several factors play a role in choosing the best approach for ERCP access in patients with altered surgical anatomy in cases in which ERCP is indeed indicated. These factors include long versus short Roux limb, native papilla versus bilioenteric anastomosis, prior sphincterotomy, anticipated accessory use such as sphincter of Oddi manometry, surgical risk, likelihood of repeat procedures, and possibility of internal hernias.

The different approaches in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy include duodenoscope through the anatomical route, colonoscope or enteroscope through the anatomic route, single/double balloon enteroscopes, spiral/rotational enteroscope, ERCP through gastrostomy or jejunostomy, laparoscopically assisted ERCP, or biliary access obtained by interventional radiology. [ 7 , 8 ] A newer technique that has been described is EUS-guided biliary access in cases of difficult primary cannulation of a native papilla or in the appropriate setting with altered surgical anatomy. [ 9 ] See the image below. Endosonography-guided cholangiopancreatography. Used with permission from Baishideng Publishing Group, Inc (Fig 1 from Perez-Miranda M, de la Serna C, Diez-Redondo P, Vila JJ. Endosonography-guided cholangiopancreatography as a salvage drainage procedure for obstructed biliary and pancreatic ducts. World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16 2010;2(6):212-22).

View Media Gallery The presence of acute pancreatitis is typically considered a relative contraindication as well, unless the etiology of the pancreatitis is gallstone-related and the therapeutic goal is to improve the clinical course by means of stone extraction. [ 10 , 11 ] In addition, ERCP with sphincterotomy or ampullectomy is relatively contraindicated in coagulopathic patients (international normalized ratio [INR] >1.5 or platelet count < 50,000/µL). Technical Considerations Attention to proper procedure and technique will optimize results and minimize complications.

Best practices Before ERCP, all of the patient’s previous abdominal imaging findings (from CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], ultrasonography, and cholangiography or pancreatography) should be reviewed; this can facilitate location of the pathology during ERCP, as well as help pinpoint any changes that occurred since the previous imaging was performed A scout radiograph should be obtained while the patient is on the fluoroscopy table and before insertion of the duodenoscope; this image can act as a baseline for comparison with subsequent fluoroscopic images taken after contrast injection The patient's surgical history should be reviewed before the procedure to determine whether there is anything in the surgical anatomy that may be a contraindication for ERCP To minimize the patient's exposure to radiation, fluoroscopic images should be obtained only as necessary during the procedure; some fluoroscopy machines can be adjusted to minimize the frequency of image acquisition Deep sedation is desirable during ERCP because a stable endoscopic position in the duodenum is important for proper cannulation, therapeutic intervention, and avoidance of complications If the pancreatic duct is cannulated several times or if contrast is injected into the pancreatic duct, placement of a temporary pancreatic duct stent or rectally administered NSAIDs (indomethacin or dic

lofenac) should be considered in order to decrease the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

These 2 prevention modalities have proven effective for PEP prophylaxis. Numerous other pharmacological agents have been studied, including gabexate, somatostatin, octreotide, steroids, heparin, allopurinol, and nitroglycerin, but with disappointing results. [ 12 ] Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown rectally administered NSAIDs to be effective in reducing the incidence of PEP, the occurrence of moderate to severe pancreatitis, and the length of hospital stay in high-risk patients who develop PEP. [ 13 , 14 , 12 , 15 , 1 ] Indirect comparative effectiveness studies suggest that rectal NSAIDs alone may be superior to pancreatic duct stenting in preventing PEP as a simple, easily administered, safe, inexpensive, and effective treatment modality, [ 15 ] but further studies are needed to help confirm these encouraging results through direct comparison with prospective randomized controlled data. A universal use of rectal NSAIDs in all patients, verus selective use in high-risk patients, is a topic of debate among experts.

Widespread adoption of this simple strategy may minimize the incidence of PEP and modulate its severity, resulting in major clinical and economic benefit. [ 12 , 1 ] NSAIDs have been shown to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, phospholipase A2 activity, and neutrophil/endothelial cell attachment, which are all believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of the initial inflammatory cascade of acute pancreatitis. [ 13 , 16 , 17 , 12 ] Single-dose administration is not associated with enhanced risk of bleeding or renal insufficiency. Rectal administration seems to work better than other routes, including oral, intramuscular, intravenous, or intraduodenal. [ 12 ] The optimal timing of administering rectal NSAIDs has not been clearly defined. Two meta-analyses indicate no difference in efficacy, whether the medication is given before or immediately after the procedure. [ 12 , 1 ] Based on a pilot study, aggressive intravenous hydration with lactated Ringer solution appears to reduce the development of PEP and is not associated with volume overload.

[ 18 ] Complication prevention The first step in preventing post-ERCP complications is to identify those patients who are most likely to experience adverse events. Patients at higher risk for development of PEP, the most common serious complication associated with this procedure, include patient-related factors, procedure-related factors, operator-dependent factors, and underlying disease or indication for performing ERCP. It is important to distinguish between asymptomatic postprocedural pancreatic enzyme elevations of serum amylase and lipase, which can be seen in more than half of all patients undergoing ERCP in the first 24 hours after the procedure, with true clinical pancreatitis induced by the ERCP, which presents with pancreatic-type pain or cross-sectional imaging confirming inflammation. [ 17 ] Proposed underlying mechanisms that can induce PEP include thermal injury from electrocautery, hydrostatic injury from overinjection of the pancreatic duct, enzymatic injury from intestinal contents or contrast, and mechanical injury from prolonged manipulation around the papillary orifice causing edema.

[ 13 , 17 ] Patient-related factors include younger age (< 50 y), female sex, history of acute or recurrent pancreatitis, history of PEP, preexisting biliary-type pain, presence of bile duct stones, normal serum bilirubin, and documented or suspected SOD (especially type III dysfunction with normal bile duct size and normal liver tests). [ 13 , 16 , 17 , 19 ] The term sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is used to define motility abnormalities caused by stenosis or dyskinesia of the sphincter of Oddi. [ 13 ] A history of chronic calcific pancreatitis seems to confer a protective effect on the risk of developing PEP.

[ 17 ] Procedure-specific risk factors for PEP include difficult cannulation of the ampulla of Vater (>10 attempts), cannulation of the pancreas duct, injection of contrast into the pancreas duct (>2 times), pancreatic duct sphincterotomy, pancreatic acinarization (opacification of acini), pancreatic duct tissue sampling/brushing, pneumatic dilation of an intact biliary sphincter, precut sphincterotomy, and ampullectomy. [ 20 , 13 , 16 , 17 , 15 ] Data support the use of prophylactic pancreatic duct stents or the administration of rectal NSAIDs in patients at increased risk for pancreatitis, because it has been shown to reduce the incidence of PEP in this high-risk cohort of patients. [ 21 , 13 , 16 , 17 , 14 , 12 , 15 ] Operator-dependent factors include low case volume, lack of experience, and lack of good technique.

Regarding case volume, this has been challenged by a multicenter prospective study showing that the risk of PEP was not associated with the case volume of either the single endoscopist or the center. [ 20 ] Those at higher risk for post-ERCP hemorrhage include patients with either a pathologic or an iatrogenic coagulopathy. Anticoagulant or antithrombotic therapy should be discontinued before elective ERCP (generally 5-7 days beforehand), and the prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) should be evaluated on the day of the procedure. If the PT and PTT are significantly abnormal, the procedure should be rescheduled if it is not an emergency. If there is an urgent need for ERCP, reversal of the coagulopathy with fresh frozen plasma may be required. Routine use of prophylactic antibiotics in elective ERCP is controversial. The infectious risks of ERCP (ie, bacteremia and cholangitis) are most likely to occur in patients who present with biliary obstruction.

Current guidelines recommend prophylactic antibiotic therapy in all patients presenting with biliary obstruction and cholangitis or with biliary obstruction that is unlikely to be drained at the time of ERCP, such as in the case of complex hilar strictures and patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Antibiotic therapy is also recommended after any unsuccessful ERCP biliary drainage procedure. [ 22 ] A Cochrane analysis of 9 randomized clinical trials found that the rates of bacteremia and cholangitis were lower in patients who received prophylactic antibiotics before elective ERCP than in those who did not, although subgroup analysis demonstrated that the effect of antibiotics was less evident in patients who underwent uncomplicated ERCP with successful biliary drainage.

[ 23 ] In March 2015, the American Gastroenterological Association suggested the following recommendations for reducing endoscope-associated infections in ERCP [ 24 ] : Treat all elevator-channel endoscopes the same, including both fine-needle aspiration echoendoscopes (endoscopic ultrasound) and duodenoscopes Track elevator-channel endoscopes by patient and by device serial number to facilitate retrospective identification in case of infection Use a two-phase infection surveillance program that tracks all patients who have had a procedure with an elevator-channel endoscope, and periodically collect culture surveillance of all elevator-channel endoscopes; a positive culture should trigger a review of reprocessing techniques Use a standard device reprocessing training program, and require reprocessing staff to demonstrate competency every 6 months Immediately contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to aid in investigation of any suspected breach or infection Most mucosal perforations occurring during ERCP are periampullary and are associated with sphincterotomy. Periampullary perforations are usually retroperitoneal and can often be managed with supportive care rather than immediate surgical intervention.

This complication can be prevented in many cases by following proper landmarks while performing sphincterotomy and by taking care to not cut beyond the intraduodenal portion of the CBD. Perforations occurring away from the ampulla are typically due to traumatic endoscope passage, often related to limited visualization of the lumen. As a general rule, the duodenoscope should never be forced against significant resistance during insertion. The forceps elevator should be in the closed position during passage of the endoscope down the lumen because it may lacerate the adjacent tissue if left in the open position. Expected Outcomes Because of inherent bias and patient underreporting, an accurate estimate of the procedural complication rate is difficult to obtain. However, comparisons with complication data pertaining to other endoscopic procedures makes it clear that ERCP is associated with approximately 4-fold higher rates of severe complications.

[ 25 ] In a study of post-ERCP complications that pooled prospective patient survey data from almost 17,000 patients undergoing the procedure, ERCP-related morbidity secondary to pancreatitis, bleeding, perforations, and infections was 6.85%, of which 5.17% was graded as mild-to-moderate and 1.67% as severe; ERCP-specific mortality was 0.33%. [ 26 ] Pancreatitis was the most common complication (3.47% of patients), followed by infection (1.44%), bleeding (1.34%), and perforations (0.6%). The incidence of PEP varies from 1-10% in average-risk patients but can exceed 25-30% in certain high-risk patient populations. This wide range is due to the heterogenous interplay of multiple patient-, procedure-, and operator-related factors. [ 16 ] Acute PEP is not a uniform disorder and varies in intensity. Most cases are mild and resolve with proper treatment without any permanent sequelae. [ 17 ] The relatively high risk associated with ERCP underscores the importance of having this procedure performed by experienced practitioners.

It also helps explain the trend toward therapeutic as opposed to diagnostic ERCP. Although the absolute complication risk is greater with therapeutic ERCP than with diagnostic ERCP, the potential benefits are also greater, and the risk-to-benefit ratio favors therapeutic ERCP. [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 19 ] Next: View Media Gallery Image-processing equipment Appropriate endoscopic video processing equipment is needed in a procedure room that can also accommodate fluoroscopy. Most centers have a dedicated procedure room that incorporates either a permanent fluoroscopy table or a portable C-arm device, along with the video processing equipment specific to a particular brand of endoscope. Dual video monitors or split-screen capability must be available in the endoscopist's direct field of view; simultaneous fluoroscopic and endoscopic imaging is required for proper completion of ERCP (see the image below). Fluoroscopy table and dual-screen procedure monitors. View Media Gallery Fluoroscopic imaging in ERCP requires the injection of a radiopaque marker into either the biliary tree (cholangiography) or the pancreatic duct (pancreatography). Iodinated contrast agents are most commonly used, though noniodinated agents are also available.

Undiluted contrast is appropriate for initial fluoroscopic images or when fine imaging details are desired (as in visualizing the pancreatic duct). Half-strength contrast is preferable for certain purposes, such as assessment for choledocholithiasis in a dilated bile duct. Because of concerns over systemic uptake of iodinated contrast agents during ERCP, prophylactic steroid and diphenhydramine therapy before contrast administration is a common practice in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to such agents. Although prophylactic medication and substitution of noniodinated contrast are reasonable, a trial demonstrated no adverse reactions to iodinated contrast agents during ERCP in high-risk patients, suggesting that these preventive measures may be unnecessary in this patient population. [ 31 ] Cannulation devices Most endoscopists have adopted the sphincterotome as their primary cannulation device for ERCP, primarily because this device has the ability to cannulate both the biliary and pancreatic ductal system, as well as perform sphincterotomy, without having to be switched out. Most currently available sphincterotomes have multiple lumens that allow the passage of a guide wire or injection of contrast.

Current sphincterotomes also have a cutting wire of varying length that both allows coagulative cutting and has the ability to alter the curvature of the radiopaque tip of the device. Tension can be applied to the cutting wire via an operator-controlled handle, which causes the tip of the sphincterotome to bow (see the image below); this ability to bow and unbow the tip of the device can facilitate cannulation and cutting. Different tip diameters and degrees of taper are also available, depending on the clinical situation. Sphincterotome in bowed position. View Media Gallery Once the sphincterotome is in the proper position, most endoscopists use a wire-guided approach to cannulation, in which a guide wire is passed through one of the sphincterotome lumens and into either the common bile duct (CBD) or the pancreatic duct before contrast injection. This approach not only facilitates acquisition of ductal access but also allows accessories to be more safely passed into the ductal system over the wire. Many different guide wires are available from several different manufacturers.

They vary with respect to diameter (0.018-0.035 mm), length (260 cm short wire or 450 cm long wire), degree of rigidity, outer coating material, tip angle, and even bending or coiling tendency with the application of pressure. By taking these characteristics into account, one can readily choose the appropriate wire for a specific situation. The cannulation catheter is a more traditional tool, which some endoscopists still prefer over the sphincterotome. A cannulation catheter is similar to a sphincterotome in that it often contains multiple lumens for contrast injection or wire passage and a radiopaque tip. It differs from a sphincterotome in that it has no cutting wire but can include a specialized tip (eg, a ball tip or needle tip) that can facilitate passage of the catheter into a duct with a particular structural property. Therapeutic accessories Once access to either the biliary or the pancreatic ductal system is gained, various accessories can be passed over the wire for use in therapeutic interventions.

These accessories include tools that are specific to a certain indication, such as stone extraction balloons (see video below) or baskets (see the first image below), stricture dilating balloons or catheters (see the second image below), stents of various types (see the third image below), cytopathology brushes, and even cholangioscopes for intraductal visualization. This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows the insertion of a biliary extraction balloon over the guidewire. Sweeps of the common bile duct are made with the extraction balloon to remove stones, sludge, and debris from the common bile duct. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. View Media Gallery Protective gear All personnel within the ERCP procedural area should be protected from the scattered radiation produced by the fluoroscopy unit. Standard protective apparel includes a lead apron and a thyroid shield with a lead thickness of 0.2-0.5 mm. Two-piece lead apparel in the form of a skirt and vest is also available, depending on the wearer's preference.

The use of leaded radiation safety glasses is also advocated; repeated radiation exposure to the eye can be hazardous. Additional protective gear recommended for use during ERCP includes a face shield, surgical gloves and gown, and shoe covers if desired. Patient Preparation Several different choices of anesthetic approach are available. Insertion of a side-viewing duodenoscope can be somewhat difficult, given the lack of a forward-viewing lens; thus, proper patient and endoscope positioning are crucial for safe passage down the esophagus. Anesthesia Acceptable regimens for achieving adequate sedation in patients undergoing ERCP vary by medical center and by provider and may also be dictated by the laws pertaining to anesthetic administration in a certain geographical region. The most common sedation protocol includes the use of a nurse-administrated or physician-administered intravenous (IV) benzodiazepine (eg, midazolam) along with an IV narcotic (eg, meperidine). Meperidine is commonly used because of its longer half-life and deeper sedative properties and because of the traditional belief that other narcotic agents (eg, fentanyl or morphine) may be associated with contraction of the sphincter of Oddi.

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial demonstrated no difference in papillary cannulation rates between patients receiving propofol plus fentanyl and those receiving propofol alone. [ 32 ] Thus, fentanyl may be a reasonable alternative to meperidine, especially in patients who are allergic to meperidine. For patients in whom deep sedation may be difficult to achieve with this approach (eg, those who use recreational or medicinal narcotics, alcohol, or sedatives and those who have a history of difficult sedation), general anesthesia should be considered. Many medical centers use an anesthetist to administer a general anesthetic agent (eg, propofol) in this scenario. Certain states also allow trained nurses or gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopists to administer propofol. This trend may increase, now that nurse-administered propofol has been shown to be as safe as administration of midazolam plus meperidine for therapeutic endoscopic procedures. [ 33 ] The benefits of propofol, as compared with other agents, include rapid onset of action, deep sedation, and relatively rapid recovery.

Regardless of the anesthetic regimen, sedated patients are typically monitored by a nurse for respiratory and cardiovascular status during ERCP. Any of the agents mentioned above can be associated with respiratory or cardiovascular compromise; thus, antagonist agents (eg, naloxone for narcotics and flumazenil for benzodiazepines) should be readily available to the monitoring personnel. Antimotility medications (eg, glucagon) are also commonly used during ERCP to decrease bowel contractions/motility and facilitate proper visualization and cannulation of the ampulla in a patient with brisk duodenal peristalsis. Positioning The prone position (see the image below) is standard for ERCP because it offers the best access for anterior-posterior fluoroscopic imaging. Prone position. View Media Gallery Some endoscopists prefer the semiprone position (see the image below). Although this position may not yield optimal image quality, it may be preferable for certain patients (eg, those who are obese or have respiratory compromise). Some endoscopists also find it easier to pass the duodenoscope into the small bowel while the patient is in this position. Semiprone position. The supine position (see the image below) may also be used for ERCP.

Indications for the use of this position include endoscopist preference, comorbid conditions, pregnancy, and any factor that necessitates closer airway monitoring during the procedure. Supine position. The main steps of ERCP are as follows. Insertion of endoscope With the patient in the prone or semiprone position, the duodenoscope is passed through a self-retaining mouth guard with the tip angled slightly downward to facilitate its movement to the level of the hypopharynx. Once the endoscope has reached this location, the tip is brought back to the neutral position, and gentle pressure is applied until passage into the proximal esophagus is achieved. Care must be taken in passing the endoscope through the esophagus and into the stomach, as visibility is limited. If attempts to pass the duodenoscope meet with resistance and no cause is visible, removal of the duodenoscope and subsequent examination with a gastroscope (standard forward-viewing endoscope) should be considered. Gastric examination and duodenal positioning Once the duodenoscope is in the gastric lumen, it is advanced to a position in which it lies on the mucosa of the greater curvature, allowing visualization of the lesser curvature and the distal stomach.

With further advancement of the endoscope, the tip should pass the angular incisure. In this position, upward angulation of the tip should allow examination of the gastric cardia. In the distal stomach, downward angulation of the tip should bring the pylorus into view. When the endoscope reaches the pylorus, the tip should again be placed in the neutral position, with the pylorus visible in the 6-o'clock location (“sun setting” position) as passage into the duodenal bulb is achieved. The duodenoscope is advanced to the distal aspect of the first portion of the duodenum, and the tip is angled to the right and slightly upward. The scope is then carefully withdrawn with slight clockwise torque applied to bring the endoscope into the "short position." This maneuver should advance the endoscope to the second portion of the duodenum and permit visualization of the major duodenal papilla, which appears as a small, pink-colored protuberance at the junction of the horizontal and vertical duodenal folds (see the image below). Endoscopic view of major duodenal papilla.

View Media Gallery Cannulation of major papilla The key to successful cannulation of either the pancreatic or the biliary ductal system is proper scope positioning. With the duodenoscope in the short position in the second portion of the duodenum, the lens should be facing the papilla, with the tip in close proximity to the duodenal wall. For easier cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD), the scope should be positioned so that the image of the papilla is in the upper portion of the video monitor; this allows an upward approach to the papilla, which is more in line with the natural path of the CBD. In contrast, cannulation of the pancreatic duct is more easily achieved via an approach that is more perpendicular to the duodenal wall. If possible, the intraduodenal segment of the CBD should be observed before the initial attempt at cannulation so that the duodenoscope can be lined up with the natural contour of the bile duct.

As a rule of thumb, for cannulation of the CBD, the cannulation device should be aimed in a slightly tangential direction to the 10-11 o'clock position; for cannulation of the pancreatic duct, the device should be pointed to the 1-o'clock position. The traditional approach to cannulation, termed contrast-guided cannulation, involves passage of the cannulation device tip into the papillary orifice, followed by injection of contrast material to confirm proper positioning. However, there are now data to support a wire-guided approach. In the wire-guided approach, a guide wire is passed under fluoroscopy into either the pancreatic duct (see video below) or the CBD before the injection of contrast. A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), higher primary cannulation rates, fewer precut sphincterotomies, and no increase in ERCP-related complications with the wire-guided technique compared with the contrast-assisted cannulation technique. Therefore, the guide wire–assisted cannulation technique has become the preferred cannulation method by most advanced endoscopists.

[ 34 , 35 ] This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows cannulation of the ampulla. A guidewire is then advanced, which is seen on fluoroscopy, and the wire makes a right turn into the pancreatic duct. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. View Media Gallery Several anatomical abnormalities may make cannulation of the bile duct more challenging. The most common of these anomalies, the presence of a periampullary diverticulum, occurs in approximately 7.5% of patients undergoing ERCP for any indication. [ 36 ] Although the ampulla is typically adjacent to the rim of a diverticulum or between 2 diverticula, it may also be found inside the diverticular sac. When the ampulla is located outside the diverticulum, the natural course of the CBD is often unaltered; however, when it is located inside the sac, this may not be the case, and proper alignment of the duodenoscope can be very challenging.

In view of the risk of bowel perforation, considerable care should be taken in repositioning the duodenoscope in the presence of a diverticulum. Another scenario that may make cannulation of the major papilla difficult is the presence of a distal ductal defect, such as an impacted biliary stone, a distal bile duct tumor or stenosis, or a pancreatic head mass. A wire-guided approach to cannulation is typically recommended in these circumstances. Cannulation with guide wires of varying diameter or stiffness may be necessary for successful entry into the system, depending on the clinical scenario. The videos below depict cannulation of the ampulla (major papilla). This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows engagement and cannulation of the ampulla using a biliary cannulation catheter. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare.

View Media Gallery Cannulation of minor papilla Occasionally, cannulation of the minor papilla is desired to search for a possible anatomic anomaly (eg, pancreas divisum) or to perform a minor duct sphincterotomy in a symptomatic patient with known pancreas divisum. Pancreas divisum is a congenital anatomic variant in which the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts fail to fuse. Although most patients with this variant are asymptomatic, a small subset of patients with pancreas divisum may present with idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis. In these symptomatic patients, minor duct sphincterotomy with possible stent placement may be beneficial (after other common causes of acute pancreatitis have been ruled out). The minor papilla is generally located about 1-2 cm proximal to the major papilla in the second portion of the duodenum. It typically looks like a smaller version of the major papilla but may be difficult to visualize in some patients. It can be located by first visualizing the major papilla and then slowly withdrawing the scope while looking slightly to the right.

Cannulation of the minor duct usually requires a smaller cannulating device (eg, a cannulation catheter with a needle tip) and the use of a wire-guided approach before contrast injection. Fluoroscopic imaging Once passage of a guide wire into either the CBD or the pancreatic duct has been confirmed by means of fluoroscopy, the cannulation device is advanced into the duct, and a radiopaque contrast agent is injected. With the patient in the prone, semiprone, or supine position either on a dedicated fluoroscopy table or under a portable C-arm device, a cholangiogram or a pancreatogram is obtained by the endoscopist (see the image below). This measure allows immediate assessment for ductal structural abnormalities or filling defects (eg, from stones; see the video below). If intervention is required, accessories can be passed over the guide wire into the duct with the help of fluoroscopy. Cholangiogram. Note (a) duodenoscope positioned in duodenum with tip at distal aspect of common bile duct and (b) moderately dilated bile duct.

View Media Gallery This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD). Dye is then injected, and the duct is seen on fluoroscopy; there are filling defects suggestive of stones within the CBD. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. Fluoroscopic imaging is also typically performed after intervention to assess the adequacy of the treatment (eg, to look for residual filling defects in a bile duct after stone extraction). Therapeutic intervention Most patients who present for ERCP have previously undergone noninvasive diagnostic testing (eg, computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography [MRCP], or ultrasonography) that revealed an abnormality potentially amenable to intervention via ERCP. Thus, cholangiography, pancreatography, or both are performed to confirm or to better characterize a potential lesion and are followed by an intervention if treatment is indicated.

Although a multitude of therapeutic ERCP maneuvers are known, the most common are those dealing with biliary or pancreatic duct stones, malignant or benign strictures or stenoses, leaks, and tissue sampling. For example, to manage choledocholithiasis, a biliary sphincterotomy is generally performed initially to facilitate passage of the stone through the distal bile duct. (A) Biliary sphincterotomy and stent placement; (B) corresponding endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) film. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker. View Media Gallery Once this is done, devices such as a stone extraction balloon or a stone basket (with or without stone crushing capacity) can be passed over the guide wire in the bile duct to help deliver the stone. If this approach is unsuccessful, more advanced accessories (eg, pneumatic balloon dilation of the biliary sphincter or electrohydraulic/laser lithotripsy devices) can be used.

Indications for biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy include the following [ 9 ] : CBD stones Facilitation of biliary stent placement (especially multiple stents) for malignant or benign CBD obstruction Palliation of obstruction due to malignant ampullary neoplasm as an alternative to stent placement in selected cases Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) or benign papillary stenosis Biliary leaks Miscellaneous conditions (choledochocele, sump syndrome, biliary parasites) A large, prospective study of complications related to biliary sphincterotomy found that the rate of complications was highest when the indication for the procedure was suspected SOD (21.7%) and lowest when the indication was removal of CBD stones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4.9%). Pancreatitis developed in 19% of patients with suspected SOD, as compared with 3.6% of patients with other indications for sphincterotomy.

[ 20 , 37 , 38 ] Precut sphincterotomy, a combined endoscopic-percutaneous procedure, difficult biliary cannulation, and a patient with cirrhosis were all found on multivariate analysis to be significant risk factors for complications of biliary sphincterotomy, although to a much lesser degree than suspected SOD. Severe complications occurred more than 3 times as often with suspected SOD (3.7%) than with other indications (1.3%). [ 20 , 37 , 38 ] Another common intervention involves placing a biliary stent into the bile duct to treat a biliary obstruction secondary to benign or malignant biliary stricture (see the image and video below). Multiple stents are available, varying in design, material, and size; the choice of an appropriate stent depends on the clinical situation. Fluoroscopic image of plastic stent in bile duct. Also note guide wire adjacent to stent in bile duct. View Media Gallery {{mediacaption:2064054_19}} The video below shows a sphincterotomy being performed.

This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows a sphincterotomy being performed. The sphincter of Oddi is being cut using electrocautery applied to the biliary cannulation catheter. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. View Media Gallery (A) Biliary sphincterotomy and stent placement; (B) corresponding endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) film. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker. View Media Gallery Complications of Procedure ERCP is an advanced endoscopic technique that carries a higher risk of procedure-related complications than other endoscopic procedures do.

[ 39 , 40 ] Besides the risks associated with most other endoscopic procedures (eg, mucosal perforation related to traumatic passage of the endoscope, cardiopulmonary events, adverse intravenous medication reactions, hemorrhage, infection, or oxygen desaturation), ERCP also carries a risk for the following specific complications: Post-ERCP pancreatitis Supine position. Endoscopic view of major duodenal papilla. Cholangiogram. Note (a) duodenoscope positioned in duodenum with tip at distal aspect of common bile duct and (b) moderately dilated bile duct. Biliary stents. Upper stent is plastic stent; lower stent is self-expanding metal stent (SEMS). Fluoroscopic image of plastic stent in bile duct. Also note guide wire adjacent to stent in bile duct. This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows the insertion of a side-viewing duodenoscope and advancement into the stomach and into the duodenum. The scope is then reduced into the short position, bringing the ampulla into view. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C.

Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows engagement and cannulation of the ampulla using a biliary cannulation catheter. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows a sphincterotomy being performed. The sphincter of Oddi is being cut using electrocautery applied to the biliary cannulation catheter. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows cannulation of the ampulla. A guidewire is then advanced, which is seen on fluoroscopy, and the wire makes a right turn into the pancreatic duct. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare.

This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD). Dye is then injected, and the duct is seen on fluoroscopy; there are filling defects suggestive of stones within the CBD. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows the insertion of a biliary extraction balloon over the guidewire. Sweeps of the common bile duct are made with the extraction balloon to remove stones, sludge, and debris from the common bile duct. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. This video, captured via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, shows the placement of a biliary stent into the common bile duct. Video courtesy of Dawn Sears, MD, and Dan C. Cohen, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Scott & White Healthcare. Endosonography-guided cholangiopancreatography.

Used with permission from Baishideng Publishing Group, Inc (Fig 1 from Perez-Miranda M, de la Serna C, Diez-Redondo P, Vila JJ. Endosonography-guided cholangiopancreatography as a salvage drainage procedure for obstructed biliary and pancreatic ducts. World J Gastrointest Endosc. Jun 16 2010;2(6):212-22). Biliary obstruction secondary to chronic pancreatitis. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker. Technique for pancreatic stone extraction. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker. (A) Biliary sphincterotomy and stent placement; (B) corresponding endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) film.

Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker. Pancreatic stent placement for pseudocyst drainage. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker. Side-viewing endoscope. Used with permission from the Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ( Illustration Copyright© 1998-2003 by The Johns Hopkins Health System Corporation and The Johns Hopkins University. Illustration created by Mike Linkinhoker.

of 25 Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) - series—Normal anatomy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) - series—Normal anatomy URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100180.htm Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) - series—Normal anatomy Go to slide 5 out of 5 Overview The stomach leads to the first part of the small intestine, also called the duodenum. The common bile duct carries bile from the liver to the duodenum, and enters the duodenum a few centimeters beyond the stomach. Review Date 4/20/2015 Updated by: Subodh K. Lal, MD, Gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Related MedlinePlus Health Topics Gallstones A.D.A.M., Inc.

is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission ( URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy , editorial process and privacy policy . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation ( The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2017, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions. ERCP ERCP Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time, M-F Alternate Language URL Page Content What is ERCP?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and x-rays to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. What are the bile and pancreatic ducts? Your bile ducts are tubes that carry bile from your liver to your gallbladder and duodenum . Your pancreatic ducts are tubes that carry pancreatic juice from your pancreas to your duodenum. Small pancreatic ducts empty into the main pancreatic duct. Your common bile duct and main pancreatic duct join before emptying into your duodenum. Why do doctors use ERCP? Doctors use ERCP to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. Doctors also use ERCP to diagnose problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts if they expect to treat problems during the procedure. For diagnosis alone, doctors may use noninvasive tests—tests that do not physically enter the body—instead of ERCP. Noninvasive tests such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)—a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) —are safer and can also diagnose many problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Doctors perform ERCP when your bile or pancreatic ducts have become narrowed or blocked because of gallstones that form in your gallbladder and become stuck in your common bile duct infection tumors or cancers of the pancreas How do I prepare for ERCP? To prepare for ERCP, talk with your doctor, arrange for a ride home, and follow your doctor’s instructions. Talk with your doctor You should talk with your doctor about any allergies and medical conditions you have and all prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, including diabetes medicines nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking medicines that affect blood clotting or interact with sedatives. You typically receive sedatives during ERCP to help you relax and stay comfortable. Tell your doctor if you are, or may be, pregnant. If you are pregnant and need ERCP to treat a problem, the doctor performing the procedure may make changes to protect the fetus from x-rays. Research has found that ERCP is generally safe during pregnancy.

1 Arrange for a ride home For safety reasons, you can’t drive for 24 hours after ERCP, as the sedatives or anesthesia used during the procedure needs time to wear off. You will need to make plans for getting a ride home after ERCP. Don’t eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum To see your upper GI tract clearly, you doctor will most likely ask you not to eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum during the 8 hours before ERCP. How do doctors perform ERCP? Doctors who have specialized training in ERCP perform this procedure at a hospital or an outpatient center. An intravenous (IV) needle will be placed in your arm to provide a sedative. Sedatives help you stay relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. A health care professional will give you a liquid anesthetic to gargle or will spray anesthetic on the back of your throat. The anesthetic numbs your throat and helps prevent gagging during the procedure. The health care staff will monitor your vital signs and keep you as comfortable as possible. In some cases, you may receive general anesthesia. You’ll be asked to lie on an examination table.

The doctor will carefully feed the endoscope down your esophagus , through your stomach , and into your duodenum. A small camera mounted on the endoscope will send a video image to a monitor. The endoscope pumps air into your stomach and duodenum, making them easier to see. During ERCP, the doctor locates the opening where the bile and pancreatic ducts empty into the duodenum slides a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through the endoscope and into the ducts injects a special dye, also called contrast medium, into the ducts through the catheter to make the ducts more visible on x-rays uses a type of x-ray imaging, called fluoroscopy , to examine the ducts and look for narrowed areas or blockages The doctor may pass tiny tools through the endoscope to open blocked or narrowed ducts. break up or remove stones. perform a biopsy or remove tumors in the ducts. insert stents—tiny tubes that a doctor leaves in narrowed ducts to hold them open. A doctor may also insert temporary stents to stop bile leaks that can occur after gallbladder surgery. The procedure most often takes between 1 and 2 hours. What should I expect after ERCP?

After ERCP, you can expect the following: You will most often stay at the hospital or outpatient center for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure so the sedation or anesthesia can wear off. In some cases, you may need to stay overnight in the hospital after ERCP. You may have bloating or nausea for a short time after the procedure. You may have a sore throat for 1 to 2 days. You can go back to a normal diet once your swallowing has returned to normal. You should rest at home for the remainder of the day. Following the procedure, you—or a friend or family member who is with you if you’re still groggy—will receive instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure. You should follow all instructions. You will receive instructions on how to care for yourself after ERCP. You should follow all instructions. Some results from ERCP are available right away after the procedure. After the sedative has worn off, the doctor will share results with you or, if you choose, with your friend or family member. If the doctor performed a biopsy, a pathologist will examine the biopsy tissue. Biopsy results take a few days or longer to come back. What are the risks of ERCP?

The risks of ERCP include complications such as the following: pancreatitis infection of the bile ducts or gallbladder excessive bleeding, called hemorrhage an abnormal reaction to the sedative, including respiratory or cardiac problems perforation in the bile or pancreatic ducts, or in the duodenum near the opening where the bile and pancreatic ducts empty into it tissue damage from x-ray exposure death, although this complication is rare Research has found that these complications occur in about 5 to 10 percent of ERCP procedures. 2 People with complications often need treatment at a hospital. Seek care right away If you have any of the following symptoms after ERCP, seek medical attention right away: bloody or black, tar-colored stool chest pain problems swallowing or throat pain that gets worse vomiting—particularly if your vomit is bloody or looks like coffee grounds 1ASGE Standard of Practice Committee, Shergill AK, Ben-Menachem T, et al. Guidelines for endoscopy in pregnant and lactating women. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2012;76(1):18–24. 2Szary NM, Al-Kawas FH.

Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: how to avoid and manage them. Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2013;9(8):496–504. This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. The NIDDK would like to thank: Christopher E. Forsmark, M.D., University of Florida College of Medicine This information is not copyrighted. The NIDDK encourages people to share this content freely. July 2016

Question: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) is used in what field?
Answer: Medicine