ERCP
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
A combined endoscopic and X-ray technique used to diagnose and treat a range of pancreatic and bile duct problems
What is an ERCP?
The pancreas and bile ducts form part of the digestive system. The bile ducts carry bile, a substance that digests fat, from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. The pancreas produces substances that regulate blood sugar and help digest food.
During an ERCP, a tiny camera on the end of a narrow, flexible tube (an endoscope) is passed through the mouth and into the small intestine to see the pancreas and bile ducts.
Images are fed back to a computer for a consultant to analyse. An X-ray is taken at the same time to look for blockages such as tumours or gallstones. It's possible to have gallstones removed or a stent put in place to open narrow bile ducts as part of the same procedure.
Need to know
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What happens during an ERCP? icon plus
In the treatment room you will be asked to lie down on an examination table and given a local anaesthetic to numb your throat. Your consultant will then carefully feed the endoscope down your oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach) into your small intestine. A small camera at the end of the endoscope will send images to a monitor. The endoscope pumps air into your stomach and small intestine, making it easier for your consultant to view inside your intestine. They may also inject a special dye to make the ducts more visible under X-ray. Your consultant will locate the opening where the bile and pancreatic ducts empty into the small intestine and place a catheter into the ducts. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will provide information on preparation before your ERCP. -
After your procedure icon plus
Having an endoscope inserted, will likely mean you will experience a sore throat for several days following the procedure. You may also experience bloating or nausea. These symptoms should pass. You should be able to return home on the same day, but may have to stay in hospital overnight depending on the rate of your recovery. Your consultant will share your results with you once you have recovered.
Our ERCP consultants
Our ERCP locations in London
From complex gastric surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional gastroenterology care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Endoscopy Centre
21 Wellington Hospital
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
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The Endoscopy Centre
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital Endoscopy Department
St Olaf House
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
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London Bridge Hospital GI services
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The HPB Unit
The Princess Grace Hospital
42–52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Liver Centre
4th Floor, Emblem House
27 Tooley Street
London SE1 2PR
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London Digestive Health
2nd Floor
41 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8DU
Private ERCP in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Contact us about our gastroenterology services
Our helpline advisors can assist with enquiries about booking an appointment with a gastroenterologist.