CPT® Code 43262

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. During this procedure, an endoscope, which is a flexible tube equipped with a camera and light, is carefully passed through the patient's esophagus and stomach, reaching the duodenum. The goal is to access the ampulla of Vater, the anatomical site where the pancreatic duct and common bile duct converge. This access allows for the introduction of a smaller catheter through the endoscope, enabling the cannulation of the ampulla of Vater. Once cannulated, contrast dye is injected into the ducts, which facilitates the visualization of the common bile duct, biliary tract, gallbladder, and pancreas through X-ray imaging. This imaging is crucial for identifying any obstructions, stones, or abnormalities within these structures. The procedure may also involve therapeutic interventions such as sphincterotomy, where the muscle between the bile duct and pancreatic duct is severed, or papillotomy, which involves incising a stricture in the bile duct. Following these interventions, a balloon catheter may be inserted to further inspect for gallstones or other pathological conditions. Overall, ERCP with sphincterotomy or papillotomy is a critical procedure for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in managing biliary and pancreatic disorders.