Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) Offered at Mercy

The Center for Comprehensive Pancreatic Care at Mercy in Baltimore provides some of the most innovative and best treatments available to detect and treat pancreas disease. Dr. Sergey Kantsevoy, recognized as one of the best doctors offering therapeutic endoscopy, offers endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram, or ERCP in our state-of-the-art endoscopy suite.

What is an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram or ERCP?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram, also referred to as an ERCP procedure, is a procedure that combines the use of a flexible, lighted scope with X-ray pictures to examine the tubes that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram helps identify areas of narrowing and can be used to biopsy suspicious lesions. Although the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram procedure takes approximately 30-60 minutes, it may involve a stay in the hospital.

How does an ERCP work?

During an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram, an endoscope, a thin tube, is passed through the mouth and moved gently down the throat into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum until it reaches the point where the ducts from the pancreas (pancreatic ducts) and gallbladder (bile ducts) drain into the duodenum. A dye is injected through a hollow tube inserted into the endoscope and air inflates the intestinal tract to view the pancreatic ducts and bile ducts. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram procedure enables x-rays to be taken of the ducts and samples of tissues and cells to be collected for a biopsy.

When is an ERCP recommended?

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram can help determine the causes of abdominal pain and jaundice. Screenings for biliary cancer, bile duct cancer, and pancreatic cancer can be performed using an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram.