ERCP

Question 1

def

Answer 1

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
a diagnostic procedure used to examine diseases of the liver, bile ducts, pancreas
usually performed under IV sedation

Question 2

what can ERCP be used to treat

Answer 2

gallstones - removes them
opens a narrowed bile duct
obtains a tissue sample (biopsy)

Question 3

indications

Answer 3

1 choledocholithiasis (gallstones in common bile duct)
2 pancreatitis
-acute (can remove gallstones if the cause)
-chronic (dilation of strictures or stent insertion)
3 diagnosis of pancreatic + biliary malignancy

Question 4

complications

Answer 4

1 pancreatitis (most common)
2 haemorrhage
3 perforation
4 infection (cholangitis, cholecystitis)