Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "'''Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography''' (ERCP) is an examination which combines upper endoscopy and fluoroscopy to visualise and treat pathology of the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts. It only rarely causes complications, but potential complications are severe, so ERCP is mostly used for treatment of pathology rather than for diagnosis, as MRCP is usually sufficient for diagnosis. ERCP allows for removal of any obstructing pathology, dilating...") |
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'''Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography''' (ERCP) is an examination which combines [[upper endoscopy]] and [[fluoroscopy]] to visualise and treat pathology of the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts. It only rarely causes complications, but potential complications | '''Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography''' (ERCP) is an examination which combines [[upper endoscopy]] and [[fluoroscopy]] to visualise and treat pathology of the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts. It only rarely causes complications, but potential complications can be severe, so ERCP is mostly used for treatment of pathology rather than for diagnosis, as [[MRCP]] is usually sufficient for diagnosis. | ||
ERCP allows for removal of any obstructing pathology, dilating and stenting strictures, and opening the sphincter of Oddi. | ERCP allows for removal of any obstructing pathology, dilating and stenting strictures, and opening the sphincter of Oddi. | ||
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** [[Choledocholithiasis]] | ** [[Choledocholithiasis]] | ||
** Biliary stricture | ** Biliary stricture | ||
* [[Acute pancreatitis|Biliary pancreatitis]] | |||
* Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction | * Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction | ||
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<noinclude>[[Category:Gastrointestinal surgery]] | <noinclude>[[Category:Gastrointestinal surgery]] | ||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]]</noinclude> | [[Category:Gastroenterology]] | ||
</noinclude> | |||
Latest revision as of 21:22, 2 January 2024
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an examination which combines upper endoscopy and fluoroscopy to visualise and treat pathology of the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts. It only rarely causes complications, but potential complications can be severe, so ERCP is mostly used for treatment of pathology rather than for diagnosis, as MRCP is usually sufficient for diagnosis.
ERCP allows for removal of any obstructing pathology, dilating and stenting strictures, and opening the sphincter of Oddi.
Indications
- Most causes of cholestasis, for example:
- Choledocholithiasis
- Biliary stricture
- Biliary pancreatitis
- Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
Procedure
An endoscope is passed through the mouth to the descending duodenum and into the ampulla of Vater. Contrast material is injected, allowing for detailed visualisation of the biliary tract with fluoroscopy. The endoscope has tools which can be used to remove pathology, take samples, dilate, and stent.
Complications
Following ERCP, pneumobilia (air in the biliary tract) is common but rarely problematic. Acute pancreatitis is a potentially severe complication which can be life-threatening, which occurs due to increased pressure in the pancreatic duct from the procedure. Other complications include:
- Perforation of the biliary tract
- Haemorrhage of the biliary tract
- Cholangitis