Cholangiography is the imaging of the

bile duct A bile duct is any of a number of long tube-like structures that carry bile, and is present in most vertebrates. Bile is required for the digestion of food and is secreted by the liver into passages that carry bile toward the hepatic duct. ...

(also known as the biliary tree) by

x-rays An X-ray, or, much less commonly, X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30&nbs ...

and an injection of contrast medium. __TOC__

Types

There are at least four types of cholangiography: # Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC): Examination of

liver The liver is a major organ only found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the synthesis of proteins and biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it i ...

and bile ducts by x-rays. This is accomplished by the insertion of a thin needle into the liver carrying a contrast medium to help to see blockage in liver and bile ducts. #

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat certain problems of the biliary or pancreatic ductal systems. It is primarily performed by highly skille ...

(ERCP). Although this is a form of imaging, it is both diagnostic and therapeutic, and is often classified with surgeries rather than with imaging. # Primary cholangiography (or ''perioperative''): Done in the operation room during a biliary drainage intervention. # Secondary cholangiography: Done after a biliary drainage intervention. In both cases

fluorescent Fluorescence is the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. It is a form of luminescence. In most cases, the emitted light has a longer wavelength, and therefore a lower photon energy, ...

fluids are used to create contrasts that make the diagnosis possible. Cholangiography has largely replaced the previously used method of

intravenous cholangiography Intravenous cholangiography is a form of cholangiography that was introduced in 1954. Overview The intravenous cholangiogram or IVC is a radiologic (x-ray) procedure that is used primarily to look at the larger bile ducts within the liver and th ...

(IVC). * Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is another cholangiography method.

References

{{Medical imaging Projectional radiography Hepatology Digestive system imaging