What is the purpose of an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)?

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is primarily utilized to image the anatomy of the bile ducts and remove stones obstructing these ducts. During this procedure, endoscopic access is gained to the duodenum, where contrast dye is injected into the biliary tree through the ampulla of Vater. This allows for detailed imaging of the bile and pancreatic ducts under fluoroscopy.

In addition to its diagnostic function, ERCP has therapeutic capabilities, including the removal of gallstones from the bile duct, placement of stents for drainage, and biopsies in certain circumstances. This dual role is significant because many patients with symptoms of biliary obstruction or pancreatitis may present with stones that can be treated during the same procedure, making ERCP a valuable tool in both diagnosis and treatment.

The other options, while related to various gastrointestinal issues, do not accurately represent the primary purpose of ERCP. For example, gallbladder inflammation is typically diagnosed through imaging techniques like ultrasound rather than ERCP. A biopsy of the pancreas is more commonly performed via endoscopic ultrasound or percutaneously rather than through ERCP. Additionally, while liver cirrhosis treatment may involve various interventions, ERCP is not used to treat the condition directly