This procedure is used to diagnose and treat problems in the bile duct and pancreatic duct. Most commonly it is used to remove stones which have left the gall bladder and are lodged in the bile duct causing jaundice or pain and to relieve jaundice associated with pancreatic or other types of cancer. Commonly the valve at the lower end of the bile duct needs to be cut and enlarged(sphincterotomy) to remove the stones stuck in the bile duct or a tube or stent needs to be placed to relieve an obstruction(in cases of cancer).
This procedure is performed under heavy sedation and normally requires an overnight hospital stay.