Gastro Investigations

Question 1

What does ERCP stand for? What does the procedure involve and when is it indicated?

Answer 1

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- tube past down oesophagus, through stomach and duodenum where smaller tube inserted into biliary tree so contrast medium can be injected

Indications:

• abnormal liver results
• pancreatitis
• staging of tumour
• suspected blockage of bile ducts

Question 2

What does MRCP stand for? What does the procedure involve and when is it indicated?

Answer 2

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

Magnetic field used to assess liver, GB, ducts, pancreases and pancreatic duct via non-invasive/ non-ionising method

Indications:

• unsuccessful or contraindicated ERCP
• preference for non-invasive procedure
• low risk of having pancreatic or biliary disease
• low likelihood of therapeutic ERCP being required