Allen Chudzinski Talking with patient.

Advanced Endoscopy for Pancreas, Gallbladder & Bile Duct Conditions

An ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is an endoscopic procedure used to treat problems of the bile duct (biliary tree) or pancreatic duct.

ERCP often be a less invasive alternative to surgery to treat conditions such as:

  • Gallstones or pancreatic stones
  • A narrowed bile or pancreatic duct
  • Infections in the gallbladder or pancreas
  • Fluid that needs to be drained from these areas
  • A suspicious mass that needs to be biopsied
  • Pancreatitis, chronic or acute
  • Bile duct leaks

WHAT ERCP INVOLVES

ERCP requires fasting from food and drink for several hours beforehand. Some patients may need to stop taking certain medicines. The patient is sedated, and a gastroenterologist feeds an endoscope down the throat to the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). A small amount of air is used to inflate the duodenum to make it easier for the doctor to see the area where the bile duct and pancreatic duct are located. However, the endoscope is too large to enter the bile and pancreatic ducts. So ERCP uses fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray that allows the doctor to see the duct and any blockages on a monitor.

USES OF ERCP

  • Treatment of blocked ducts. A thin tube and wire from the tip of the endoscope fit inside the ducts and are used to correct the problem. These instruments can dislodge stones or place a plastic or metal stent to open a narrowed duct.
  • Biopsy. ERCP can be used to take fluid or tissue samples for biopsy.
  • Endoscopic sphincterotomy. ERCP can help the doctor remove part of the valve between the bile and pancreatic ducts and small intestine (the sphincter of Oddi), so a gallstone or pancreatic stone can pass through.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ERCP

The risks of ERCP are similar to those of other endoscopic procedures and include a small risk for bleeding, tearing of the digestive tract and infection. Also, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or gallbladder (cholecystitis) can occur. These risks are decreased when receiving care from a physician highly experienced in ERCP like the ones at the AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa.

To schedule an ERCP at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, call us at 813-615-7557.

Endoscopy Services

  • Upper Endoscopy / Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

    An upper endoscopy helps doctors look at the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine and can help diagnose a range of conditions.

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  • Capsule Endoscopy and Deep Enteroscopy

    A capsule endoscopy allows doctors to see into the small intestine, which can be important in diagnosis gastrointestinal bleeding, polyps and cancer.

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  • Colonoscopy / Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

     A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is a way for doctors to see inside the colon and rectum to identify issues and perform biopsies.

    Learn More

  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

    Doctors at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa Use ERCP for Pancreas, Gallbladder and Bile Duct Imaging and Advanced Endoscopic Treatment.

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  • Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

    Endoscopic Ultrasound. Comprehensive health services in Tampa are offered at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa. We are invested in your long-term health goals.

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  • High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA)

    Colorectal Surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa Are HRA Providers (High Resolution Anoscopy) for Anal Cancer Screening.

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  • Acid Reflux Measuring Tests

    Doctors at the AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa Mickle Center for Reflux and Esophageal Conditions use outpatient tests to measure Acid Reflux. 

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Faster Recoveries. Better Outcomes.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

All the surgeons at the Digestive Health Institute (DHI) at AdventHealth Tampa have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery. 

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Meet The Experts

Dr. Angelo Fernandes

Angelo Fernandes

MD

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Michael Harris.

Michael Harris

MD

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Yasser Saloum

Yasser Saloum

MD, FACG, FACP

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Arthi Sanjeevi

Arthi Sanjeevi

MD, Epi, MS

Gastroenterologist

Marian Hanhan

Marian Hanhan

PA-C, MPAS

Physician Assistant

Christina Hill

Christina Hill

MPH, PA-C, MMS

Physician Assistant

Justin R. Lawandales

Justin R. Lawandales

MPH, MSN, ARNP

Nurse Practitioner

Meet Our Full Team
Dr. Cory O'Brien checking patient's throat at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute Tampa.

Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without The Wait

Appointments Within 5 Days for Patients with Cancer

At AdventHealth Digestive Institute Tampa, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within 5 business days, and often earlier. 

Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer recurrence, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with a cancer of the digestive system, don’t wait. 
Call the Digestive Health Institute at 813-615-7557.

Learn More About Our Surgical Cancer Care Program

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