What is ERCP?
Endoscopic
retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, is a specialized
technique used to study the ducts of the gallbladder, pancreas
and liver. Ducts are drainage routes; the drainage channels
from the liver are called bile or biliary ducts.
During
ERCP, your doctor will pass an endoscope through your mouth,
esophagus and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small
intestine). An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that lets
your doctor see inside your bowels. After your doctor sees the
common opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas, your doctor
will pass a narrow plastic tube called a catheter through the
endoscope and into the ducts. Your doctor will inject a contrast
material (dye) into the pancreatic or biliary ducts and will
take X-rays.
What
Preparation is Required?
You
should fast for at least six hours (and preferably overnight)
before the procedure to make sure you have an empty stomach,
which is necessary for the best examination.
You
should talk to your doctor about medications you take regularly
and any allergies you have to medications. Tell your doctor
if you have an allergy to iodine-containing drugs, which include
contrast material. Although an allergy doesn't prevent you from
having ERCP, it's important to discuss it with your doctor prior
to the procedure.
Also
be sure to tell your doctor if you have heart or lung conditions,
or other major diseases.
What
Can I Expect During ERCP?
Your
doctor might apply a local anesthetic to your throat or give
you a sedative to make you more comfortable. Some patients also
receive antibiotics before the procedure. You will lie on
|
your left side
on an X-ray table. Your doctor will pass the endoscope through
your mouth, esophagus, stomach and into the duodenum. The instrument
does not interfere with breathing, but you might feel a bloating
sensation because of the air introduced through the instrument.
What
Are Possible Complications of ERCP?
ERCP is
a well-tolerated procedure when performed by doctors who are
specially trained and experienced in the technique. Although
complications requiring hospitalization can occur, they are
uncommon. Complications can include pancreatitis (an inflammation
or infection of the pancreas), infections, bowel perforation
and bleeding. Some patients can have an adverse reaction to
the sedative used. Complications are often managed without surgery.
Risks vary
depending on why the test is performed and what is found during
the procedure, what therapeutic intervention is undertaken,
and whether a patient has major medical problems. Patients undergoing
therapeutic ERCP, such as for stone removal, face a higher risk
complications than patients undergoing diagnostic. Your doctor
will discuss your likelihood of complications before you undergo
the test.
What
Can I Expect After ERCP?
If you have
ERCP as an outpatient, you will be observed for complications
until most of the effect of the medications have worn off. You
might experience bloating or pass gas because of the air introduced
during the examination. You can resume your usual unless you
are instructed otherwise.
Someone
must accompany you home from the procedure because of the sedatives
used during the examination. Even if you feel alert after the
procedure the sedatives can affect your judgment and reflexes
the rest of the day.
Back
to Topics
|
