Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

E
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
(ERCP) An endoscopic procedure that
allows diagnostic as well as therapeutic procedures
involving the DUODENUM, pancreatic duct, and
common BILE duct. After administering a sedative
the gastroenterologist inserts the flexible, lighted
endoscope through the MOUTH, passing it down the
ESOPHAGUS and through the STOMACH to the duodenum.
While advancing the endoscope the gastroenterologist
examines these structures. Once
the endoscope is in the duodenum, the gastroenterologist
inserts a catheter through the ampulla
of Vater and injects contrast into the common bile
duct, pancreatic duct, and right and left intrahepatic
ducts. X-rays taken after the injection of
radiopaque dye into the ducts can show blockages
and narrowing of the ducts. Through ERCP the
gastroenterologist can take tissue samples for
biopsy, remove small gallstones, and perform
other treatments. ERCP takes about an hour, after
which the person rests in a recovery area for
another two to three hours until the sedative
wears off. ERCP has few risks and can help a person
avoid more invasive surgery.
See also BILE DUCTS; ENDOSCOPY; PANCREAS; PAN-
CREATITIS; SURGERY BENEFIT AND RISK ASSESSMENT.
endoscopy The collective term for minimally
invasive procedures that allow the doctor to view
internal organs and structures using a lighted,
flexible scope inserted through a natural body
opening or through a small incision. Endoscopy
can be diagnostic or therapeutic. Most endoscopic
procedures require preparation before the procedure,
sedation during the procedure, and supervised
recovery after the procedure.
The primary risks of endoscopic procedures are
minimal, consisting of primarily INFECTION or
bleeding that results from unintended ABRASIONS to
the tissues. A very rare but serious complication of
endoscopic procedures of the bowel is perforation,
in which the endoscope goes through the wall of
COMMON GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURES
Procedure Description and Purpose Preparation
anoscopy short, rigid scope for viewing the anal canal bowel evacuation (LAXATIVES or ENEMA before
inserted through the ANUS
the procedure)
diagnose HEMORRHOIDS, ANAL FISSURE, anal
polyps, INFECTION
colonoscopy flexible scope with a camera for viewing the multiday bowel preparation, including dietary
full length of the COLON
restrictions and a potent laxative to
inserted through the anus
completely clear the colon
detect and remove INTESTINAL POLYP
intravenous sedation and pain medication
diagnose inflammatory or infectious conditions during procedure
evaluate bleeding or possible ILEUS (intestinal
obstruction)
biopsy suspicious growths or tumors
38