Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram)

Results

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) is a procedure that combines the use of a flexible, lighted scope (endoscope) with X-ray pictures to examine the tubes that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Your doctor may be able to discuss some of the findings with you immediately after the test. But the medicines used to relax you for an ERCP may impair your memory. So your doctor may tell you to call the next day for your results.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)

Normal:	Contrast material shows normal structure and size of the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. The esophagus, stomach, duodenum, bile ducts, and pancreatic ducts look normal.
Abnormal:	The bile or pancreatic ducts are narrowed or blocked. This may be caused by gallstones, scar tissue, inflammation, or cancer. Inflammation, ulcers, infection, or cancer of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, gallbladder, or pancreas are identified.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.