Direct endoscopy of the bile ducts (cholangioscopy)
Cholangioscopy is a direct endoscopy of the bile ducts. While cholangiography (ERCP) enables X-ray imaging of the bile ducts using a contrast medium, the bile duct can be viewed directly with the aid of a probe. This allows a differentiated examination of constrictions in the bile duct and the targeted removal of tissue samples. Gallstones can also be fragmented and removed directly.
Cholangioscopy is usually performed using a special thin endoscope, which is pushed through the working channel of a standard endoscope under ERCP control. Alternatively, cholangioscopy can also be performed from the outside through the skin. This procedure is called percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTCD).