What is an ERCP Test?

What is an ERCP test? An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram test or an ERCP test is a test that is carried out for the following reasons:-

- To check for abdominal pain or jaundice
- To open a bile duct or insert a drain
- Find gallstones or diseases of the bile ducts, liver or pancreas
- To obtain a tissue sample for further testing
- To remove gallstones from the bile duct

In this test, an X-ray is combined with an endoscope (a flexible and long tube that is lighted). With the help of this endoscope, the doctor can see the stomach, bile ducts in the biliary tree, pancreas and the duodenum.  The above is the answer to “what is an ERCP test?” Now that you know what is an ERCP test, let us look at the ERCP test procedure.

ERCP Test Procedure and Results

This test is conducted in the hospital and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once the test is over you will have to wait in the recovery room for about 1-2 hours. Before the test begins, your throat will be numbed with an anesthetic spray. An intravenous line will also be placed in your arm through which a sedative and painkiller will be administered. You will then be asked to lie on your left side with your head tilted slightly forward. The endoscope will then be inserted into your throat and you will be asked to swallow as this will help to move the tube along. The doctor will move the tube through your esophagus, stomach and duodenum until the tube reaches the bile ducts of the pancreas and biliary tree. Once the tube reaches these areas, you will be asked to lie flat on your stomach. A small plastic tube will then be passed through for the dye to be injected. The radiologist will then take x-rays. Surgical instruments may be inserted into the endoscope to take samples. If a gallstone is seen during the test, the doctor may remove it. A narrowed bile duct can also be opened during the ERCP test. The endoscope will be withdrawn once the test is over.

ERCP test results will be normal if the contrast material shows a normal structure of the organs viewed. Abnormal results will mean that the bile duct is narrowed or blocked. Abnormal results will also indicate an inflammation or infection or even certain cancers.