Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic technique which combines the usage of X-ray together with a special side-viewing endoscope. It is used to treat diseases of the bile duct and the pancreas.

Diseases of the bile duct may present with recurrent episodes of pain in the upper right abdomen or jaundice, while diseases of the pancreas may present with pain in the central upper abdomen that radiates to the back.

During ERCP, X-rays are used to guide the insertion of instruments into either the bile duct or pancreatic duct to treat stones, tumours or strictures. Stones may be crushed and removed, or stents (either plastic or metal stents) may be inserted with rapid relief of symptoms. In patients with cancers causing obstruction of the bile duct (e.g. cancer of the bile duct or pancreas), ERCP can be used to relieve the blockage.