ERCP, or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, is a specialised procedure used to diagnose and treat blockages in the bile and pancreatic ducts. At JCI-accredited Turkish hospitals, specialists use a thin camera and X-ray imaging. This allows them to remove gallstones, widen narrow ducts, or take tissue samples.
- Diagnostic goals: Surgeons identify tumours, leaks, or obstructions using contrast dye and fluoroscopy imaging.
- Stone removal: Specialists extract gallstones from the ducts. This provides immediate relief from biliary colic.
- Stent placement: Doctors insert small tubes to keep narrowed ducts open and maintain drainage.
- Sphincterotomy technique: Surgeons may cut the muscle opening to help stones pass or improve flow.
Bookimed Expert Insight: ERCP in Turkey is often performed by professors at high-volume university hospitals. Centres like Medipol Mega or VM Medical Park serve up to 1,000,000 patients annually. High patient volumes typically result in lower complication rates for delicate tasks like sphincterotomy.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Turkey report prompt relief from pancreatic blockages. They suggest preparing for temporary back pain. Many recommend drinking 3 litres of water daily and limiting fat intake to 10% during early recovery.