ERCP (ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAM)

A diagnostic procedure to examine diseases of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. It is uncomfortable but not painful, is performed under intravenous sedation, usually without general anesthesia, and has a low incidence of complications. ERCP provides important information unobtainable by other diagnostic means. Therapeutic measures can often be take at the time of ERCP to remove stones in the bile ducts or to relieve obstructions of the bile ducts.