ERCP Alternatives

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a medical procedure that is used to diagnose and treat certain conditions affecting the pancreatic and bile ducts. Due to the high risk of ERCP side effects, ERCP is recommended only for specific conditions. ERCP may be used solely for diagnosis, or for diagnosis and treatment within the same procedure. For this reason, ERCP is commonly recommended to diagnose suspected conditions that can also be treated with ERCP.

Patients who experience similar symptoms may undergo ERCP alternatives. This decision is made based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and other factors. ERCP alternatives may be recommended for both diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic ERCP Alternatives

There are several ERCP alternatives that may provide the same diagnostic capabilities as an ERCP procedure. However, these ERCP alternatives cannot be used to provide treatment. Experienced medical professionals should examine the patient’s symptoms closely to determine whether an ERCP, or an ERCP alternative, is the best method of diagnosing and treating a patient’s biliary condition.

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are ERCP alternatives that use sound or other types of vibrations that give off an ultrasonic frequency. When these frequencies make contact with internal structures, an image is created to help medical professionals visualize the patient’s internal organs. An ultrasound can be used to detect blockages or abnormalities in a patient’s biliary system, similar to diagnosis during an ERCP.

MR Cholangiography

Magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography is a non-invasive and radiation-free diagnostic procedure used to visualize the biliary system. MR cholangiography uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer. These elements create detailed images of the patient’s soft tissues, organs, bone, and internal structures. MR cholangiography does not require the use of a contrast medium.

CT Cholangiography

Computed tomography (CT) cholangiography involves the intravenous injection of a contrast medium, or dye, into the patient’s body. After the dye is injected, a CT scan is performed. This dye helps medical professionals to visualize the bile ducts more clearly when reading the CT scan results. Research suggests that CT cholangiography is more effective than MR cholangiography in patients with non-dilated bile ducts.

MRCP

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) uses magnetic resonance imaging, as opposed to the more invasive ERCP process. MRCP allows doctors to visualize the biliary system without the insertion of cameras into the body. One of the primary benefits of MRCP as an ERCP alternative is the significant decrease in side effects and mortality.
Additionally, MRCP does not involve distending the bile ducts by using a contrast medium. This allows medical professionals to view the ducts in their natural state. However, MRCP is solely for diagnostic purposes and cannot be used to provide treatment.

Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound, or echo-endoscopy, is an ERCP alternative during which ultrasound is combined with endoscopy. Endoscopy is the process of inserting a probe into a hollow organ. Endoscopic ultrasound can help doctors to visualize organ walls and adjacent structures. This ERCP alternative can also be used in the respiratory system or upper digestive tract.

 

 

Sources:

Breiman, Richard, et al. “CT Cholangiography in Potential Liver Donors: Effect of Premedication with Intravenous Morphine on Biliary Caliber and Visualization.” Radiology. 247. (2008): 733-737. Web. 23 Jun. 2013. <http://radiology.rsna.org/content/247/3/733.long>.

Lindsell, David, et al. ” Role of ultrasound in bile duct obstruction.”Gut. An International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 29.10 (1988): 1426. Web. 23 Jun. 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1434002/>.

“MR Cholangiogram.” Cedars-Sinai. Cedars-Sinai. Web. 23 Jun 2013. <http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Imaging-Center/Imaging-Procedures/MRI/MR-Cholangiogram.aspx>.

Yeh, Benjamin. “MR Imaging and CT of the Biliary Tract.” RadioGraphics. 29. (2009): 1669-1688. Print.