What Happens During ERCP?
During ERCP, a gastroenterologist (doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the gastrointestinal system), uses a special endoscope (a long, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end) to examine the inside of the digestive system. The doctor identifies the place where the bile duct comes into the intestine and then feeds a tiny catheter (a plastic tube) into the duct and squirts in a contrast agent while X-rays are taken. The contrast agent allows the doctors to see the bile ducts, the gallbladder, and the pancreatic duct on the X-rays. Once the source of the problem is identified, the doctor may then treat it by performing one of the following procedures. • Sphincterotomy. This involves making a small incision in the opening of the pancreatic duct or the bile duct, which can help small gallstones, bile, and pancreatic juice to drain appropriately. • Stent placement. A stent is a plastic drainage tube that is placed in the bile duct or the pancreatic duct and allows it to d
