ERCP:(Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) :
What is an ERCP?
An ERCP is a safe procedure that will allow your physician to examine the biliary system, a part of the gastrointestinal system that includes the gallbladder, the pancreas, the ducts (tubes) that drain these organs, as well as the liver. A gastroenterologist will examine these organs and will look for any sort of blockage or irregularity, as well as spasms of the ducts, stones or tumors. During this procedure, X-ray equipment will be used to assist the physician. The entire procedure takes approximately one hour.
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What can expect before this procedure?
Prior to this procedure, you should not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours. It is very important that your stomach be empty at the time of the examination in order for the physician to view all of the organs. You should also note that you will be sedated during this procedure. Therefore, you will need someone to drive you home from the clinic. If you do not have someone to drive you home, the procedure will not be performed. You may also be asked to stop taking certain medications prior to the exam. Your physician or nurse will provide you with more specific instructions prior to the day of the exam. If you have any questions before the day of the procedure, please feel free to contact a nurse clinician.
What can I expect during this procedure?
Immediately before this exam, a nurse will start an intravenous line (IV) so the medication can be administered. You may also be given medication to gargle or a throat spray in order to numb your throat. The ERCP will be performed while you are lying on your side or on your stomach. A plastic mouth guard will be placed between your teeth to prevent damage to your teeth and to the scope. You will be asked to swallow the tube. The ERCP scope is a flexible tube, approximately the size of your finger, and it contains a lens, a small light, and channels that allow the physician to take biopsies during the procedure. The scope is inserted through your mouth and then air is sprayed from the tube in order to expand the esophagus, stomach and intestine. When the scope reaches your duodenum, the physician will locate the ampulla, which is the opening to the ducts that drain the biliary system. A small tube (cannula) will be placed in the ampulla and a special dye will be injected through the cannula. This will allow the physician to view the organs and look for irregularities.
What can I expect after this procedure?
After the procedure is complete you will be asked to stay at the clinic for a short amount of time, in order for the physician and nurses to observe your recovery. You will also have to wait for the medication for wear off before you may leave. The most common sensations after the procedure include mild discomforts, such as a feeling of bloating or a sore throat. You should be able to eat a few hours after the procedure but it is recommended that you do not return to work that same day. You should spend the rest of the day relaxing. Your physician or nurse will inform you of more specific instructions with regards to your recovery.
The following symptoms should be reported to your physician or nurse immediately:
- Severe abdominal pain (not just mild gas cramps)
- Severe firming of the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing or a severe sore throat
- Severe irritability of the skin
Related websites and resources:
- Functions of the gallbladder and bile ducts
- What is the pancreas?
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- WebMD.Com
- Jackson Gastroenterology
- MedicineNet.Com
- More GI disorders and procedures
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
