What is an ERCP used for?

What is an ERCP used for?

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.

What happens during an ERCP procedure?

During an ERCP, the doctor uses a special narrow, flexible tube (endoscope) that has a video camera. While the child is asleep, the tube is placed through the child’s mouth into the upper digestive system. Contrast dye with X-rays allow the doctor to see stones, abnormal narrowing or blockages in the ducts.

Is an ERCP considered surgery?

Scott Sundick, MD, is board-certified in general surgery and vascular surgery. Since 2012, he has practiced with The Cardiovascular Care Group in New Jersey. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive procedure used for the diagnosis and treatment of obstruction in the biliary system.

Is ERCP the same as endoscopy?

ERCP) is a specialized endoscopy technique used to study the ducts of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. An endoscope is passed through the mouth, esophagus and stomach to the small intestines (duodenum), then a small catheter is then passed through the endoscope into the ducts.

What will happen if the bile duct is blocked?

If something is blocking the bile duct, bile can back up into the liver. This can cause jaundice, a condition in which the skin and white of the eyes become yellow. The bile duct might become infected and require emergency surgery if the stone or blockage is not removed.

How serious is an ERCP?

An ERCP is considered a low-risk procedure; however, complications can occur. These can include pancreatitis, infections, bowel perforation, and bleeding.

Is ERCP life threatening?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be helpful in treating specific medical conditions involving the bile and pancreatic ducts. However, ERCP side effects pose a risk to the patient. ERCP side effects can be life-threatening, such as organ perforation or infection.

How serious is a blocked bile duct?

If the blockage is not corrected, it can lead to life-threatening infection and a dangerous buildup of bilirubin. If the blockage lasts a long time, chronic liver disease can result. Most obstructions can be treated with endoscopy or surgery. Obstructions caused by cancer often have a worse outcome.

Is ERCP cause death?

The risk of severe complications after ERCP is less than 1%; however, autopsy pathologists see a select group of patients having fatality. Thirty-five autopsies were performed after ERCP over a 13-year period. Fourteen of these 35 patients died of ERCP complications.