ERCP is a procedure used mainly for liver, pancreas and bile duct disases including gallstone disease and tumors. Under sedation, a side-viewing endoscope (a flexible tube with a light and camera) is passed into the mouth and down to the small bowel, where the bile duct and pancreatic duct exit into the small intestine. Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), we’re able to pass a catheter into the bile duct to remove stones, take samples, perform dilations of strictures or place stents (thin plastic tubes that temporarily hold the bile duct open). This procedure is done in a hospital setting (inpatient or outpatient).
