The bile duct is a small passageway that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, plays a crucial role in breaking down fats during digestion in the small intestine. Therefore, any abnormality in the pancreas or bile duct may affect both organs, necessitating a procedure known as Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to detect abnormalities and provide targeted treatment.
ERCP is a medical procedure used to examine the bile ducts and pancreas using an endoscope. A contrast dye is injected into the bile ducts to identify any irregularities.
“Today, ERCP is primarily used for treatment, rather than diagnosis.”
During an ERCP, once the dye is introduced, doctors can detect any abnormal findings. This procedure also allows for:
Removal of gallstones from the bile duct
Relieving obstructions in the bile duct, regardless of the cause
Although modern diagnostics often rely on CT scans, MRI, or MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography), if these methods fail to yield a definitive answer, ERCP may still be employed as a follow-up.
Thanks to continual advancements in medical technology, a modern device called SpyGlass is now available. SpyGlass enables direct visualization of the bile ducts during ERCP. It features a miniature camera that provides a clear and detailed view of the bile ducts, especially helpful in assessing areas suspected of narrowing or stone obstruction.
For patients with large bile duct stones that cannot be removed with standard ERCP tools, physicians can use a small laser fiber inserted through the SpyGlass scope to fragment the stones, making them easier to extract. SpyGlass also enhances the ability to obtain precise tissue samples for pathological examination.
In cases of jaundice, where the skin and eyes turn yellow
Presence of gallstones or obstruction in the bile or pancreatic ducts
Detection of tumors in the bile ducts or pancreas
Pancreatitis caused by gallstones in the bile duct
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