Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the radiologic imaging of the hepatobiliary tree and pancreatic duct. ERCP was first established as a diagnostic procedure to detect aberrations in the common bile duct, cystic duct, hepatic ducts and pancreatic ducts. Such aberrations can be gallstones, stenoses, which are caused by malignant or benign tumours, and other lesions. Due to technical improvements in alternative non-invasive diagnostic methods, such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound, ERCP has evolved into a primarily therapeutic procedure the last two decades. This development also became reality since the possibilities for therapeutic applications within ERCP improved significantly.

Nowadays, ERCP is performed when there is a clinical suspicion of strictures or stones in the pancreatic or bile ducts. During ERCP, the papilla of Vater will first be cannulated using a side-viewing duodenoscope in combination with different EndoTherapy instruments. This allows minimally invasive access to the biliary and pancreatic system via the papilla. Radiological imaging of the hepatobiliary tree and the pancreatic duct can then be performed. This will allow the identification of benign and malignant strictures, stones and other lesions.

ERCP is frequently used for procedures like sphincterotomy, stone management and stenting. The orifice of the papilla is incised during sphincterotomy, giving improved access to the bile and pancreatic ducts. Gallstones may be extracted using balloons or baskets, or may be crushed during lithotripsy. Stenting of the bile duct may be performed for benign biliary strictures or as palliative treatment for malignant biliary obstructions. Olympus offers innovative products for every procedure in ERCP. This ensures the compatibility of all endoscopic equipment, combined with excellent customer support.