Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography or short-term ERCP is a method for examining channels in which liver and pancreatic secretions are poured. Through these channels, secretions are poured into the intestine. Liver and gall bladder secretions are called the bile duct pathways.
During ERCP, the physician enters the patient's mouth through an endoscope (a device with a video camera imaging system connected to a thin, flexiable, lightened tube), into the esophagus and stomach; after then duodenum (the first part of duodenum)it moves towards the mouth-shaped area where the bile duct opens. In this way, your physician reaches the common canal where the bile and pancreatic channels are opened. The physician then passes a narrow plastic tube called a catheter through the endoscope to the canals. By injecting a special dyestuff, images of the area can be seen on the x-ray. In this film, the presence of stones or masses in the bile duct is detected. After this stage, the mouth of the channel is extended by cutting a few millimeters. Thenstone is removed with the help of a balloon or basket tools. The procedure is an effective and successful method for the right patient and for the right reason.Most ERCPs are performed for treatment. It allows the
diagnosis of stones, strictures and tumors in the bile ducts and pancreas channel and treatment without any need for surgery
The most important complication of ERCP is pancreatic gland inflammation which is seen in 2-5% of cases after this procedure. It is more common in young and females. In most patients, it is mild but rarely progressive heavy. There are various medications or methods such as stents to prevent this condition. Apart from these, bleeding in the patient and intestinal perforation when performing an incision are rare. In these cases, the patient should be taken to emergency surgery.
ERCP procedure is a radiation-induced procedure, its application in pregnant women varies slightly. In pregnancy, ERCP can be performed only by incision without removing the film and by removing the stones by balloon or by placing a temporary stent in the biliary tract. After the termination of pregnancy, it is treated permanently.
When ERCP removes the stones from the biliary tract, the patient must have gall bladder surgery for permanent treatment.
Transactions with ERCP:
-Biliary and pancreatic channels imaging
- Biliary sphincterotomy and stone removal
- Dilatation of bile duct strictures with balloon
- Plastic or metal stent applications in narrow canals
- Treatment of sphincter Oddi dysfunction; recurrent pain after gallbladder surgery and pancreatitis attacks.
- Pancreatic sphincterotomy
- Balloon dilatation and stenting in pancreatic duct stenosis
- Minor papilla sphincterotomy for pancreas divisum.
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Training and Research Hospital within the ERCP Process team.
1 Gastroenterologist
5 Nurse
Specialist Anesthesia Team
It consists of 2 unit secretariat and 2 personnel.