Endoscopy involves inserting a thin, illuminated tube with a camera through your throat into the small intestine. A smaller tube is then guided through the endoscope into the bile ducts. Through this tube, a contrast dye is injected to highlight the bile and pancreatic ducts, making them visible on X-ray images.

Why do we perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography?

An ERCP is performed to investigate symptoms that may indicate a problem with your biliary system. Common reasons for this test include:

• Biliary colic
• Jaundice, which is the yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin
• Biliary stricture
• Gallstones lodged in the common bile duct
• Cancer of the bile duct
• Leaks in the bile duct

This procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so you will not feel or have memory of the procedure under "conscious sedation."

How do you perform an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography?

Your throat is numbed with a liquid anaesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable. The endoscope, a lighted tube with a camera, is gently inserted through your throat into the stomach and upper small intestine. The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to locate the bile and pancreatic duct openings. A smaller tube is then passed through the endoscope, and contrast dye is injected into the ducts. Fluoroscopy is used to take X-ray images as the dye moves through the ducts, helping to identify issues such as leaks, swelling, or obstructions.