Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Updates to Article Attributes
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic and interventional procedure technique using both endoscopy and fluoroscopy for examination and intervention of the biliary tree and pancreatic ducts. It is typically performed by doctors with endoscopic qualifications (e.g. general surgeons, gastroenterologists) rather than radiologists.
It involves passing an endoscope to the descending duodenum and subsequently cannulating the ampulla of Vater, after which contrast can be injected outlining the biliary tree and various procedures can be performed.
It is conventional practice to acquire a diagnostic CT intravenous cholangiogram and/or MRCP, followed by a therapeutic ERCP.
Pneumobilia is common post-ERCP including when the history of the procedure is remote (especially if a sphincterotomy has been performed).
Complications
- pancreatitis (~5%)
- haemorrhage
- perforation leading to pneumoperitoneum and/or pneumoretroperitoneum
- infection (e.g. cholangitis)
- migration of a biliary or pancreatic duct stent
- complications secondary to endoscopy eg; oesophageal and gastric injury
Contraindications
- relative
- altered anatomy in post-surgical states (e.g. Billroth II gastrojejunostomy, Roux-en-Y jejunostomy)
- structural abnormalities of oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
- coagulopathy
- absolute
- unstable patient
-<li>altered anatomy in post-surgical states (e.g. <a title="Billroth II gastrojejunostomy" href="/articles/billroth-ii-gastrojejunostomy">Billroth II gastrojejunostomy</a>, <a title="Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery" href="/articles/roux-en-y-gastric-bypass-surgery">Roux-en-Y jejunostomy</a>)</li>- +<li>altered anatomy in post-surgical states (e.g. <a href="/articles/billroth-ii-gastrojejunostomy">Billroth II gastrojejunostomy</a>, <a href="/articles/roux-en-y-gastric-bypass-surgery">Roux-en-Y jejunostomy</a>)</li>
Image 4 Fluoroscopy ( create )
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