Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a test used to study the ducts (drainage paths) of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. An ERCP is helpful in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and performing interventional procedures, including: 

• Place a stent (tube) to open a blockage 
• Repair narrowed ducts 
• Obtain tissue biopsies 
• Remove stones or sludge in the ducts
• Decide whether surgery is needed

While you are sedated, your physician will insert an endoscope (thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end) into your mouth and advance it to the beginning of your small intestine. The exam, done in the GI Lab, takes about 1-1⁄2 hours, but your total time in the lab is about 3 to 4 hours.

Conditions this treatment is offered for:

• Diseases of the pancreas
• Diseases of the liver
• Diseases of the gall bladder
• Bile duct disorders