What is ERCP Medical Abbreviation

What is ERCP Medical Abbreviation - The medical abbreviation "ERCP" stands for "Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography." It is a procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray imaging) to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. During an ERCP, an endoscope (a long, flexible tube with a camera and light) is inserted through the mouth, down the throat, and into the upper digestive tract. The endoscope is then advanced into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), where a small opening called the papilla of Vater is located. Through this opening, a contrast dye is injected into the bile ducts and pancreatic duct, and X-ray images are taken to visualize the anatomy and identify any abnormalities.

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