ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP)

How to prepare for ERCP

Before your procedure, you will need to stop eating and drinking for 12 hours. You may also need to take antibiotics before the procedure, as well as some other medications afterward.

• Take all of your prescribed medications as directed.
• You should stop taking any over-the-counter medication or herbal supplements at least 72 hours before the test.
• You should avoid certain foods and drinks that could increase your risk of complications during surgery, including fatty foods such as steak or fried chicken; carbonated beverages; caffeine; alcohol; and grapefruit juice (which can affect how another drug in your system works).

What to expect during an ERCP

You may be given a sedative to help you relax. You will lie on your side with your head tilted back, and the doctor will insert an endoscope into your throat. Endoscopes are long, flexible tubes with a light at the end that allow doctors to see inside your body. The camera on the end of the scope allows them to look at what is going on inside of you while they do it—and this is great news for those who don’t like surprises!

The scope will enter through one of two places: either through your mouth or nose (if this is not possible due to scar tissue or other medical conditions), or through a cut made in your abdomen just below where it joins with your chest wall. It travels down into either one or both of these openings until it reaches another opening called “your bile duct” that runs between liver & pancreas (and connects them).

After your ERCP

After your ERCP, you may have some discomfort or pain. This is normal and should get better over time. You’ll need to ask for a pain reliever from your doctor or nurse before leaving the hospital; just tell them you had an ERCP and they’ll prescribe one for you.

If it’s too much trouble to go back up to the hospital for more medication or rest, there are some steps you can take at home:

• Take an antacid such as Tums or Maalox as directed by your doctor
• Drink plenty of fluids (water and sports drinks) until your bowel movements return to normal
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until all medications have worn off (usually 24 hours after an ERCP)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines X-ray and the use of an endoscope – a long, flexible, lighted tube. ERCP can be used to diagnose and treat some problems of the bile ducts and pancreas.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that combines X-ray and the use of an endoscope – a long, flexible, lighted tube. ERCP can be used to diagnose and treat some problems of the bile ducts and pancreas.

This procedure is performed by your doctor with your consent. You will be given sedation medication so you won’t feel any pain during the test or remember it afterwards. If you’re having this test because of gallstones or other problems in your biliary system, you may need to fast overnight before the test begins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ERCP is an important procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat some problems of the bile ducts and pancreas. Speak to our gastroenterologist who can assist you to achieve best result and outcome.