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Diagnosing and Treating Bile Duct and Pancreas Problems Without Surgery
ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. It is a specialized procedure that combines upper endoscopy with X-ray imaging to examine and treat the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. A thin, flexible scope is passed through your mouth to the top of the small intestine, where dye is used so your doctor can see these ducts clearly on X-ray.
Unlike many tests, ERCP is often both diagnostic and therapeutic. During the same procedure, your doctor can remove gallstones, open narrowed ducts, place stents to relieve blockages, and take tissue samples, all without surgery. You rest comfortably under sedation throughout.
ERCP is recommended when there is a problem in the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts. It is often used to find and treat the cause of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), unexplained abdominal pain, or abnormal liver or pancreas test results. Because your doctor can treat many problems during the same procedure, ERCP can relieve symptoms quickly and often avoids the need for surgery.
Your doctor may recommend an ERCP to diagnose or treat several bile duct and pancreas conditions. It is commonly used for:
ERCP can help with:
If you have a bile duct or pancreas problem, ERCP can often diagnose and treat it in a single procedure. Talk with our team to learn whether ERCP is right for you.
Dr. Saranya Addepally is a board-certified gastroenterologist with six years of clinical experience, treating a broad range of digestive and liver conditions. She is especially passionate about women’s GI health—areas where patients often feel overlooked or hesitant to seek care.
Her medical journey began in India, where she completed her training before moving to the United States to pursue advanced education in medicine and Gastroenterology at the University of Arkansas.
After several years in practice, she relocated to Houston to continue serving patients in the community. Following two years with a local group, she established her own practice, grounded in the principles and core values she believes are essential to delivering thoughtful, patient-centered care.
ERCP is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray to examine and treat the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. It can remove gallstones, open blockages, and place stents without surgery.
Your doctor may recommend ERCP to find and treat problems such as bile duct stones, blockages, narrowing, or leaks, often relieving symptoms in the same procedure.
No. You receive sedation, so you are comfortable and usually do not remember the procedure. Some people have a mild sore throat or bloating afterward.
ERCP usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on what needs to be treated. Plan to spend a few hours at the facility with preparation and recovery.
Most people rest for a short time as the sedation wears off and go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you. Your team will explain what to watch for.
ERCP is generally safe, but like any procedure it has some risks, most commonly a temporary inflammation of the pancreas. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you beforehand.
ERCP is a specialized procedure, and our team makes sure you know exactly what to expect. From preparation to recovery, we guide you every step of the way.
At Shaya Digestive & Liver Clinic, we provide:
There is no single “quick fix” when it comes to your ERCP. Careful preparation and expert technique make for a safe, smooth procedure. At Shaya Digestive & Liver Clinic we walk you through the whole process so there are no surprises. Your visit includes:
Offering Fast Track GI appointments
Specialized Gastroenterology Appointments Within 3–5 Business Days
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