ERCP Procedure
About the Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography or ERCP procedure
Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography or ERCP is a procedure where a camera is inserted via the mouth down to the first part of the small bowel called to duodenum.
From the duodenum small wires and catheters are used to treat or diagnose conditions of the bile duct or pancreas with the aid of an X-ray machine.
Further information about ERCP Procedure
Why do I need an ERCP?
Bile is made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until food is eaten. Bile is then discharged into the cystic bile duct and travels to the common bile duct. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that flow into the common bile duct. Together, bile and the pancreatic digestive enzymes travel through the ampulla (the point at which the common bile duct meets the duodenum) and into the duodenum to help digestion.
Conditions that affect this system include:
Obstruction of the bile duct and pancreatic duct by gallstones, pancreatic stones, tumours or scar tissue.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Narrowing (stricture) of the ducts
Chronic pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)
Cancer of the pancreas, ampulla or bile duct.
What happens after an ERCP?
Most people can have the procedure as a day case and as it is done with an endoscope there are no incisions and usually no after effects.
As with all surgery and procedures there is a small complication rate. Approximately 4% of people having this procedure develop post ERCP pancreatitis.
If this was to occur, then you may need to stay in hospital for ongoing management. There are other rare complications such as perforation and significant bleeding.
What preparation is required?
You should fast for at least six hours before the procedure to make sure you have an empty stomach, which is necessary for the best examination.
You should talk about medications you take regularly and any allergies you have to medications or to intravenous contrast material (dye). Although an allergy doesn’t prevent you from having ERCP, it’s important to discuss it prior to the procedure, as you may require specific allergy medications before the ERCP.
Inform about medications you’re taking, particularly aspirin products, arthritis medications, anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin or Apixaban), clopidogrel or insulin.