Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Obstructive Jaundice – Agrawal Gastrocare Center Indore
Jaundice causes the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes to turn yellow. Bilirubin, a byproduct of aged red blood cells, is the source of the yellow color.
A specific form of jaundice called obstructive jaundice occurs when the pancreatic duct or bile duct becomes blocked or clogged, impairing the normal flow of bile, which comes from the bloodstream into the intestines.
Numerous factors can contribute to obstructive jaundice, including Gallstones, pancreatic cancer, lymph node swelling next to the bile duct, cysts in the pancreas, scarring, and other blockages of the pancreatic duct.
The signs and symptoms of obstructive jaundice may differ as per the completeness of the blockage, and the disease course varies among individuals.
Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Obstructive Jaundice
The ERCP procedure, also known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, is used to identify and address issues with the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It involves the usage of an endoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube—with X-ray technology.
The scope is guided by your healthcare practitioner via your mouth and neck, oesophagus, stomach, and the first segment of the small intestine (duodenum). Your medical professional can look inside these organs to look for any issues. After that, the doctor will insert a tube with a dye within it through the scope. This makes the organs visible on an X-ray.
For the examination of patients with obstructive jaundice, ERCP is a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic method. Obstructive jaundice is frequently caused by growths, masses, and stones, which can be identified and managed using ERCP. Specialists may run the ERCP test to determine what is causing obstructive jaundice.
Your healthcare provider may obtain tissue or fluid samples as necessary. While the endoscope is in place, they may do additional treatments, such as the removal of gallstones or any other blockages that may exist.
The endoscope will be removed when the X-rays and any other treatments are finished.
Dr. Amit Agarwal
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Agarwal Gastrocare Center Indore