Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)  

ERCP enables the physician to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The scope is entered through the mouth to the esophagus then the stomach and from then the duodenum where the bile duct and pancreas meet the intestine. In this area a dye injection is administered into the ducts in the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be seen on x-ray. This helps detecting and treating conditions of the bile ducts, including gallstones, inflammatory strictures, leaks and cancer.

• Abstain from food and drink for at least eight hours.
• The medical team would want to know if you suffer any symptoms in the lungs or heart or have any other medical condition that might require careful attention both before and after the ERCP.
• Bring all your current medications especially those for the heart, blood pressure and diabetes. Patient must take heart and blood pressure medicine in the morning but not the diabetes medication because patient will be fasting.
• Kindly inform your doctor of your medications, especially aspirin or NSAIDs (blood thinners).  
• Inform your doctor of any medication allergy you have or if you have an allergic reaction to some medications especially antibiotics or pain medicine.
• Other means of transportation must be provided because patient is not permitted to drive post-ERCP (if given sleep inducing medicine).  
• Do not bring valuables to the hospital.

Second – in the Endoscopy Unit:

• Kindly get to the unit on time.
• In case you are given sleep inducing medication, please inform the unit staff of the person accompanying you home.
• You will be asked to sign a special form that indicates your consent and understanding of the ERCP procedure.
• You will then be provided with special garments and assigned a bed until it is time for the ERCP.
• A nurse might place a needle in one of your veins to use when needed (e.g. administer sedative).

Third – What to expect during and after the colonoscopy?

• You will be moved to the ERCP room.
• A local anesthetic will be administered to the throat so that no pain will be felt when the scope is inserted. 
• The doctor might inject you with a sedative prior to the ERCP.
• The best way to lessen the problems caused by the scope is to relax and breathe through your nose.
• In case you are asleep (after sedative) you will be required to stay in the unit no less than an hour until you are fully aware.
• Your throat might feel a little sore and your might be a little gassy, but this is normal after an ERCP and will disappear after a short time.
• If you are given a local antistatic throat spray or a sedative injection then you are recommended to stop eating and drinking for two hours afterwards. 
• You must not drive or operate heavy machinery or make important decisions on that day, rest at home is preferable.
• You have to visit the emergency department immediately if you have acute pain in the abdomen or server vomiting. Also, if noticed that the stool color is black or that your temperature is high.

Fourth – Complications:

Kindly discuss all possible complication with your doctor before signing your consent to the colonoscopy procedure. 

You can call for more information:

2520088 - Ext#2221 or 2223