What does ERCP help to identify?

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure that combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to visualize the biliary and pancreatic ducts. The primary purpose of ERCP is to identify and treat conditions related to these ducts, including the presence of gallstones, tumors, and other abnormalities.

When conducting an ERCP, a contrast dye is injected into the biliary system, allowing for detailed imaging of the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and surrounding structures on X-ray. This makes it particularly effective for diagnosing blockages due to gallstones or assessing for tumors that may be affecting the bile or pancreatic ducts.

The other options do not correspond to the scope of what ERCP is designed to evaluate. While blood disorders, kidney stones, and liver function are important aspects of medical diagnostics, they are typically assessed using other tests and imaging techniques rather than ERCP. Therefore, option B accurately reflects the specific capabilities of ERCP in identifying gallstones and tumors in the biliary and pancreatic systems.