ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. It is a procedure that combines upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and x-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts
. During the procedure, a long, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope is used to view the inside of the organs and check for problems. It is often used to treat or diagnose problems of the pancreas or bile ducts that can cause abdominal pain and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
. ERCP may be used to open the entry of the ducts into the bowel, stretch out narrow segments, remove or crush gallstones, and diagnose conditions such as primary biliary cholangitis or sclerosing cholangitis
. It is a relatively low-risk procedure that can take one to two hours, and it is usually done on an outpatient basis
