ERCP Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

ERCP is an examination of the pancreatic and bile ducts performed by using an endoscope to pass down through your mouth to your stomach and duodenum. Contrast material is then injected which enables physician or gastroenterologist to see the bowels, bile duct and or pancreas on the X-rays. ERCP can be used to diagnose the problem in the biliary system such as stones or a mass etc.

Common indications to perform ERCP:

- Jaundice

- Severe pain in the upper abdomen on the right side accompanying with fever

- Abnormal liver and pancreatic function test result

Preparation for ERCP

- Past medical history, underlying disease, previous illness, drug allergy, and shellfish allergy should be reported to the physician.

- Inform the physician if you are pregnant or having the possibility of being pregnant.

- If you are taking blood-thinning drugs such as Warfarin or Clopidogrel, it is recommended to stop taking it at least 7 days before the procedure.

- Not eat or drink anything 6 to 8 hours prior to the procedure.

- Dentures must be removed before starting the procedure to prevent choking.

ECRP involves the following steps:

1. The doctor will give the instructions about the procedure.

2. Local anesthetic will be sprayed into the back of your throat to make it numb and prevent gagging during the procedure.

3. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and gently moved down the throat into the esophagus, stomach, to the main bile duct entering the duodenum. After that, contrast dye is injected into this bile duct while x-ray films are taken so that the doctor can diagnose and plan the treatment. The test usually takes about 30-90 minutes.

Benefit of ERCP

1. It is a safe procedure, which is performed under the care of experienced gastroenterologist.

2. The procedure is not painful due to local anesthetic agents applied on the throat while inserting the endoscopic tube.

3. The procedure enables the doctor to clearly view any abnormalities of the pancreas and the bile duct.

4. The doctor can remove a tissue samples (biopsy) for further testing.

5. Through an ERCP, the treatment such as stone removal and stent placement can be done.

After the procedure

1. You will stay in the recovery room under observation for 1-2 hours.

2. Patients undergoing general anesthesia may require one night's hospital stay or after fully awake, the patient should be driven home by a friend or family member.

3. After the examination, the effect of sedative should last 1-2 hours; thus, you should not drink or eat until it has fully worn off. You should also drink more water to prevent sore throat.

You may find our specialist here at GI and Liver Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital

Phyathai 2 Hospital

International Correspondence Center

Tel: +66-2617-2444 ext. 2020 or 2047 E mail: onestop@phyathai.com

ERCP Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

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