Liver Treatments
& Services

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a type of X-ray procedure used to diagnose and treat bile duct problems, including gallstones, biliary strictures, biliary leaks, and tumors. The procedure is done under light sedation. When conducting ERCP, the doctor inserts an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light at the end) down the patient's throat and through the stomach until it reaches the biliary tree. Then dye is injected into the bile ducts so that they can be seen on X-ray. If a problem is identified, the doctor can then insert surgical instruments into the endoscope to correct it. Biopsies can also be performed this way.