An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that threads the thin bendable endoscope through your mouth, esophagus and stomach into the upper part of the small intestine. Using a tiny light and video camera of the endoscope, your Novant Health physician can examine the ducts of the pancreas, gallbladder or bile duct. A catheter travels through the endoscope to inject dye into these ducts so that X-rays will highlight the contrasting areas. Gallstones blocking the ducts can also be removed with this specialized procedure for faster recovery time, less pain and lower risk of infection than traditional surgery.