Programs and Services

The following gastroenterology procedures are performed at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin in order to help with diagnosis or treatment of diseases of the liver, pancreas or bile ducts:

Learn More  Learn more about our Gastroenterology/ Hepatology Program

• ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) — a procedure to detect disorders in the ducts such as narrowing, gallstones, blockages, tumors and cysts. An ERCP combines the use of X-rays and endoscope — a long, flexible, lighted tube.
  The endoscope is advanced through the mouth and into the small bowel to view the common opening to the ducts from the liver and pancreas. A contrast material is injected into the ducts so they can be seen on X-rays. Additional instruments are used to remove stones and or other blockages. Stents may be used to drain an area and open a narrowed area.
  
  
• Sphincterotomy — abnormalities found during an ERCP study can sometimes be treated at the same time with an endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy (ERS), a procedure to cut the sphincter muscle between the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct. Instruments are inserted through the endoscope to cut or stretch the sphincter.
  
  
• EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) — an ultrasound of the pancreas, transgastric or transduodenal, which helps define the size and relationship of masses to major structures and allows biopsy under radiologic guidance.

Author: Marla Fraunfelder

Last Review Date: April 25, 2007