Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram)

Results

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) is a test 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.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: April 29, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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