Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
What is an ERCP?
ERCP is a specialized technique used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver. The drainage channels from the liver are called bile ducts or biliary ducts. An endoscope (flexible thin tube that allows the physician to see inside the bowel) is passed through the mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). After the common opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas is visually identified, a catheter (narrow plastic tube) is passed through the endoscope into the ducts. A dye is then injected gently into the ducts, then X-rays are taken.
ERCP is a valuable tool that is used for diagnosing many diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, liver and gallbladder. ERCP can be used to determine whether or not surgery is necessary, and is helpful in providing the anatomic detail the surgeon needs to plan an operation when surgery is necessary.
Preparing for ERCP
During the ERCP
A local anesthetic may be applied to your throat and an IV sedative may be given to make you more comfortable during the test. Some patients also receive antibiotics before the procedure based on their previous medical history.
As you lie on your left side, the endoscope will be passed through the mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum. This instrument does not interfere with breathing. You may feel some bloating during and after the procedure from the air inserted during the test.
After the ERCP
If you are having ERCP as an outpatient, you will be moved to the Recovery Room for observation, until most of the effects of the medications have worn off. You may experience bloating or pass gas due to residual air introduced during the test. Unless instructed otherwise, you may resume your usual diet.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the findings with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results.
What is an ERCP?
ERCP is a specialized technique used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver. The drainage channels from the liver are called bile ducts or biliary ducts. An endoscope (flexible thin tube that allows the physician to see inside the bowel) is passed through the mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). After the common opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas is visually identified, a catheter (narrow plastic tube) is passed through the endoscope into the ducts. A dye is then injected gently into the ducts, then X-rays are taken.
ERCP is a valuable tool that is used for diagnosing many diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, liver and gallbladder. ERCP can be used to determine whether or not surgery is necessary, and is helpful in providing the anatomic detail the surgeon needs to plan an operation when surgery is necessary.
Preparing for ERCP
- Inform physician BEFORE the procedure of:
- An allergy to seafood or iodine
- Heart or lung conditions
- Any other major diseases
- Women of childbearing age who may be pregnant
- If you take aspirin, NSAIDS, arthritis or blood-thinning medication, please notify your physician. These medications may need to be stopped several days before the ERCP.
- Please do not take anything by mouth after midnight.
- Please refrain from bringing valuables to the hospital.
- Please confirm your medications with your physician.
- Inform physician and the GI nurse to any known medication allergies.
- Be prepared to sign a consent form authorizing the doctor to perform the procedure.
- Remove eyeglasses prior to the procedure.
- Dentures may be removed prior to the procedure.
- You may prefer to remove contact lenses.
- You will not be able to drive home after the procedure, so please make transportation arrangements.
During the ERCP
A local anesthetic may be applied to your throat and an IV sedative may be given to make you more comfortable during the test. Some patients also receive antibiotics before the procedure based on their previous medical history.
As you lie on your left side, the endoscope will be passed through the mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum. This instrument does not interfere with breathing. You may feel some bloating during and after the procedure from the air inserted during the test.
After the ERCP
If you are having ERCP as an outpatient, you will be moved to the Recovery Room for observation, until most of the effects of the medications have worn off. You may experience bloating or pass gas due to residual air introduced during the test. Unless instructed otherwise, you may resume your usual diet.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the findings with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results.
