WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED FOLLOWING ERCP?

 If you are having an ERCP as an outpatient, you will be kept under observation until most of the effects of the medications have worn off. Evidence of any complications of the procedure will be looked for and hospitalisation may be advised if further observation is necessary. You may experience bloating or pass gas because of the air introduced during the examination. You may resume your usual diet, unless you are instructed otherwise.

COMPLICATIONS OF ERCP

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF ERCP?

ERCP is generally a well-tolerated procedure when performed by specialists who have had training and experience in this technique.

Major complications requiring hospitalisation can occur but are uncommon during diagnostic ERCP. They include serious pancreatitis, infections, bowel perforation, and bleeding, with each occurring in less than 1% of patients. Another potential risk of ERCP is an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic/sedative used. The risks of the procedure vary with the indications for the test, what is found during the procedure, what therapeutic intervention is undertaken, and the presence of other major medical problems, eg. heart or lung disease. Your specialist will tell you what your likelihood of complications is before undergoing the test.

What will happen during ERCP

WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED DURING ERCP?

Your doctor will discuss why an ERCP is being performed, potential complications from ERCP and alternative diagnostic or therapeutic tests that are available. A local anaesthetic will be sprayed to your throat and an intravenous anaesthetic/sedative will be given to make you more comfortable during the test. Most patients also receive antibiotics before the procedure.

The test begins with you lying on your left side on an x-ray table. The endoscope is passed through the mouth, oesophagus and stomach into the duodenum. The instrument does not interfere with your breathing. Some air is introduced and may cause temporary bloating during and after the procedure. The injection of contrast dye into the ducts rarely causes discomfort. 

E.R.C.P. - Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography

A Guide to the Test

WHAT IS AN E.R.C.P.?

ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography. As hard as it is to say, the actual examination is fairly simple.

A dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts using a flexible video endoscope. X-rays are then taken to outline the bile ducts and the pancreas.