ERCP

Gastroenterology located in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, MI

ERCP services offered in St. Clair Shores and Macomb, MI

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that looks for problems involving the bile and pancreatic ducts. The highly trained gastroenterology team at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. performs ERCP at Ascension St. John Hospital and Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Schedule a consultation with the gastroenterology experts today by calling the office.

ERCP Q&A

What is ERCP?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an exam the team at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. performs to take a closer look at the bile and pancreatic ducts. These ducts deliver bile and digestive enzymes to your small intestine to help digest food.

For the exam, the team combines an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy with X-ray imaging. They inject a dye into the ducts using a flexible, fiberoptic endoscope to improve visibility when they take X-rays.

Why would I need an ERCP?

Your gastroenterologist explains why you need an ERCP during a consultation. They perform the procedure to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as:

Gallstones trapped in the bile duct
Bile duct blockages
Cancer of the bile ducts or pancreas
Pancreatitis

They also perform the diagnostic test to determine the cause of unexplained symptoms such as upper abdominal pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

What happens during ERCP?

The G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. team performs your ERCP at their ambulatory endoscopy center. They first numb your throat and give you a sedative to eliminate pain and anxiety.

Your gastroenterologist places an endoscope in your mouth and slowly advances it through your esophagus, stomach, and into the small intestine. They insert the fiberoptic endoscope through the endoscope, inject the dye into your ducts, and then take X-rays.

If you have gallstones, blockages, or any other abnormality in your ducts, your gastroenterologist treats the problem. They may also take a biopsy if they suspect cancer.

The ERCP takes 20-40 minutes. After your test, you go to the recovery room. Your gastroenterologist may review your test results at that time or schedule a follow-up appointment.

You must arrange to have someone drive you home after your ERCP and plan to take it easy the remainder of the day.

What are the benefits of ERCP?

The ERCP gives the team at G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C. an opportunity to diagnose and treat problems that affect your bile or pancreatic ducts at the same time. Traditionally, gastroenterologists first do imaging tests such as a CT scan to find problems with the ducts and then perform any necessary surgery.

To see if you’re a candidate for ERCP, call G.I. Medicine Associates, P.C.