ERCP: Endoscopy Meets X-Ray Technology
ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, a procedure that allows Uniontown Hospital doctors to examine and treat gallstones and problems of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. The patient swallows an endoscope that is guided through the digestive system. A tube inserted into the scope, then injects a dye into the bile ducts and a radiographer takes X-rays.
"This gives us a very good image of the problem area," explains Uniontown Gastroenterologist Dr. Raji Balu. "And if we see a gallstone or a narrowing of the bile ducts, we can insert instruments through the scope to remove them right then and there, or work around them."
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