MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP)

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Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) - series: Indication

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) - seriesIllustrations:

Indication

Gallstones usually form in the gallbladder. Gallstones sometimes pass from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, and block the flow of bile into the duodenum. This can result in serious illness. Additionally, tumors of the pancreas and duodenum can block the bile duct, also preventing the flow of bile into the duodenum.

Update Date: 3/8/2008

Updated by: Christian Stone, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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