ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Advanced Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Bile Duct Disorders
What is ERCP?
ERCP is a specialized endoscopic procedure that combines upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, pancreatic duct, and gallbladder. Using a flexible endoscope passed through the mouth, stomach, and into the duodenum, the physician can visualize and access the biliary and pancreatic systems.
Dr. Mahmoud Abdelwahab performs therapeutic ERCP procedures to remove bile duct stones, place stents to relieve obstructions, take tissue samples, and treat various biliary and pancreatic conditions without the need for traditional surgery.
30-90 minutes under sedation
Same day or overnight observation
Minimally invasive endoscopic technique
When is ERCP Recommended?
Bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis)
Bile duct strictures or narrowing
Bile duct tumors or cancer
Ampullary tumors
Bile leaks after surgery
Unexplained jaundice or elevated liver enzymes
ERCP Intervention Photos
Therapeutic ERCP Procedures
Removal of bile duct stones using specialized baskets or balloons. Larger stones may be fragmented using mechanical lithotripsy or laser techniques before extraction.
Cutting the sphincter of Oddi muscle to widen the bile duct opening, facilitating stone removal and improving bile drainage. This is often the first step in therapeutic ERCP.
Placement of plastic or metal stents to keep bile ducts open when narrowed by tumors, strictures, or inflammation. Stents restore bile flow and relieve jaundice.
Collection of tissue samples (biopsies) or cells (brush cytology) from suspicious areas for pathological examination to diagnose cancer or other conditions.
Stretching of bile duct strictures using inflatable balloons to improve drainage. This technique is useful for benign strictures and post-surgical narrowing.
Preparing for ERCP
- •Fast for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure (nothing to eat or drink)
- •Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners
- •Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
- •Review your medical history, allergies, and previous procedures with your doctor
You will receive anaesthesia to keep you comfortable and relaxed. The endoscope is gently passed through your mouth to the duodenum. Contrast dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts while X-ray images are taken. Therapeutic interventions are performed as needed. You will not feel pain during the procedure.
After ERCP: Recovery and Care
Immediate Recovery (1-2 hours)
You will be monitored in a recovery area until sedation wears off. You may feel bloated or have a sore throat.
Going Home
Most patients go home the same day. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours due to sedation effects. Have a light meal and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
Next Few Days
Resume normal activities gradually. Mild abdominal discomfort is common. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, vomiting, or yellowing of skin/eyes.
Follow-Up
Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment to review results, discuss pathology findings if biopsies were taken, and plan further treatment if necessary. Stents may need to be changed or removed in the future.
While ERCP is generally safe, potential complications include:
- •Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) - most common complication
- •Infection or cholangitis
- •Bleeding from sphincterotomy site
- •Perforation of the bowel or bile duct (rare)
Dr. Abdelwahab's expertise minimizes these risks, and most patients have uncomplicated procedures.
Advanced Endoscopy Procedures
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mahmoud Abdelwahab to discuss if ERCP is appropriate for your condition.