A biliary endoscopy, also known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), is a diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the stomach and biliary tree to diagnose and treat diseases of the biliary tract and its associated organs, namely the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Diagnostic Uses: ERCP is highly useful for diagnosing gallstones, cancer, inflammatory biliary strictures, cholecystitis, bile duct leakage, biliary colic, and any other conditions associated with the narrowing or obstruction of the common bile duct. Studies show that it is more effective in diagnosing pancreatic cancer compared to a CT scan.
Therapeutic Uses: While the procedure is primarily used for diagnostic purposes, it can also be used for treatment. For example, if the doctor detects an obstruction during a biliary endoscopy, special surgical instruments can be inserted through the endoscope to remove the obstruction.
