An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) lets a doctor
look at the tubes (ducts) that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. To
do this, the doctor uses a thin, flexible, lighted scope (endoscope). He or she
puts the endoscope into the mouth and gently moves it down the throat and into
the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (where the stomach connects with the small
intestine). The doctor slowly guides the scope until it reaches the place where
the ducts from the pancreas (pancreatic ducts) and gallbladder (bile ducts)
drain into the duodenum. The doctor can put very small tools through the
endoscope. The tools allow him or her to take tissue samples, add in contrast
(dye), or open a narrowed bile duct.
