ERCP

The abbreviation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, an X-ray procedure used for examining the biliary system and the pancreatic duct. An endoscope is passed down the oesophagus, through the stomach, and into the duodenum. A catheter is passed through the endoscope into the common bile duct and pancreatic duct. A contrast medium is introduced through the catheter to make the pancreatic duct and ducts of the biliary system visible on X-rays. In some cases, it may be possible to relieve a blockage due to a gallstone during the procedure.