Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)

During ERCP, a lighted scope is passed through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum until it reaches the area where the ducts of the biliary tree and pancreas open into the duodenum. It allows for diagnosis of diseases linked to the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas, including hepatobiliary cancers. It is used to discover reasons for abdominal pain, abnormal lab tests, jaundice and weight loss.

Sedation is given and the procedure can last from 30 minutes to two hours with a one-hour recovery. You will be required to lay on your stomach for the procedure and you will be unable to eat or drink for six hours prior.