Most patients will be given a sedative and are asleep during the procedure others however, are given a sedative and have their throat anesthetized with a spray or other solution. This makes the endoscope easier to insert into the esophagus to the main bile duct. Dye is injected into this duct and/or the pancreatic duct while X-rays are taken. Patients are placed on their left side then turned onto their stomach so the ducts can be seen. A gallstone, if found, may be removed. If the duct is narrow, an incision using electrical heat can be made to relieve the blockage. It’s also possible to widen narrow ducts by placing small tubes called stents in the ducts to keep them open.
This procedure is used to examine the duodenum, bile ducts, gallbladder and pancreatic duct. The physician uses a small camera, called an endoscope, which is guided down the throat. The procedure usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour.
ERCP helps diagnose and often treat the following conditions:
The only preparation needed before an ERCP is to not eat or drink for eight hours prior to the procedure. If you are taking aspirin or blood thinners, please notify your doctor as the use of these drugs may need to be modified or discontinued temporarily.
Download the Consent or Procedure Forms below and fill them out to bring them with you to your appointment.
