ERCP is primarily a treatment procedure
ERCP combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to access the bile or pancreatic ducts. In modern practice its principal role is therapeutic—for example removing duct stones, treating selected strictures and placing stents.
Complex ERCP
Difficulty may arise from altered anatomy, challenging cannulation, large or impacted stones, hilar strictures, previous interventions or complex ductal disease. Techniques are selected according to the anatomy and clinical objective.
Safety
Recognised adverse events include post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding, infection and perforation. Prevention and management strategies are addressed in dedicated ESGE guidance.1,2
Approximate annual activity
>500 ERCP procedures per year. This is an estimate of current annual clinical practice and varies from year to year.
References & clinical guidance
- ESGE — ERCP-related adverse events guideline
- ESGE — Papillary cannulation and sphincterotomy techniques at ERCP
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This information is educational and does not replace individual medical assessment. Diagnosis and treatment recommendations depend on the patient, imaging, pathology, disease stage and multidisciplinary assessment.