ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatoscopy)
What is an ERCP?
An ERCP is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to examine the bile ducts or ‘drain tubes’ of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. It involves passing an endoscope (a long, thin flexible tube with a camera at the end) through the mouth and stomach to where the ducts join the small intestine. A small plastic instrument is then inserted through the endoscope and into the bile and/or pancreatic duct. Often a small cut is made in the opening of the ducts (a sphincterotomy) to allow better drainage. Xrays are then taken and other procedures such as removing stones, stretching a narrowing or placing a stent can be performed. An ERCP is performed in a hospital and may require an overnight stay.
Why is an ERCP performed?
How do I prepare for an ERCP?
It is important for the safety and accuracy of your procedure that your stomach is completely empty. You should therefore have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your ERCP.
Whilst most medications can be taken as usual with a sip of water on the day of your procedure, some medications need to be stopped, or have their dose altered.
You should notify Dr. Paul Urquhart at least 7 days prior to your procedure if you are taking:
- Blood thinners (plavix, warfarin, pradaxa, eliquis, xarelto etc) or
- Diabetes medications (metformin, insulin etc)
As x-rays are routinely performed during ERCP it is essential you tell your doctor if you could be pregnant, or are allergic to iodine or contrast dye.
Please bring your referral, a full list of your medications and your Medicare card/Private Health Fund information on the day of your procedure.
What happens on the day?
Are there any risks or side effects?
Pancreatitis is the most frequent serious complication, and usually presents as worsening abdominal pain. Mild cases respond well to intravenous fluids and pain relief, while severe cases can require intensive care admission and can even result in death. The risk of pancreatitis varies widely according to the reason for the ERCP and the types of interventions done during the procedure. The risk of pancreatitis is reduced by half with the use of indomethacin during the procedure and is given by Dr. Urquhart to all ERCP patients.
What happens after my ERCP?
What should I watch out for after my ERCP?
Please contact Gastro IQ or your nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms after your procedure:
• Worsening abdominal pain
• Fevers
• Vomiting
• Passing blood or black, tarry bowel actions
• Other symptoms that cause you concern.
Dr. Paul Urquhart will discuss the ERCP with you in detail on the day of your procedure, however if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.