Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
If gallstones are in the bile ducts, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used to find and remove them before or during gallbladder surgery.
A long, flexible, lighted tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth, through the stomach, and into the small intestine. The tube is connected to a computer and screen. A contrast material will be injected. It will help locate the affected bile duct on the screen. An instrument on the scope will be used to open the duct. The stone is then captured in a tiny basket and removed.
References
Gallstones. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7313-gallstones. Accessed March 17, 2022.
Gallstones. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gallstones. Accessed March 17, 2022.
Gallstones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones. Accessed March 17, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 03/17/2022