ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. It is a procedure which allows the doctor to take detailed x-rays of the bile duct and/or pancreas.

The doctor, who will perform the test, will explain briefly what will happen. This test will be carried out on the x-ray table.

A fine soft tube will be placed into your nostril to give you a little oxygen to breathe during the test. You will be given sedation, which will make you very sleepy. When asleep the doctor will pass a long, thin flexible tube, called an endoscope through your mouth, down into your stomach and the upper part of the small intestine the duodenum.

X-ray dye will be injected down the endoscope so that the pancreas and bile ducts may be seen on x-ray film. If everything is normal, the endoscope is removed and the test is complete. The dye is passed harmlessly out of your body.

If the x-ray reveals a gallstone, the doctor will enlarge the opening of the bile duct with an electrically heated wire, diathermy, which you will not feel. Any stones will be collected into a tiny basket or left to pass into the intestine.

If a narrowing is found, bile can be drained by leaving a stent, short plastic tube, in the bile duct. You will be unaware of the presence of the stent, which will remain permanently. Occasionally it may be necessary to replace the stent some months later if it becomes blocked.

Prior to ERCP

Advice will be given to you prior to the procedure regarding any medications you are taking that may need to be stopped. Your stomach must be empty prior to this procedure so you are told to stop eating any food or drink 6 hours before your appointment time. A needle will be inserted into your hand ready for the sedation.

Following ERCP

You will feel sleepy following the procedure and will be able to rest for a short while prior to going home. If the test was only for x-ray purposes you will be allowed home in a few hours.

You may require a short stay in hospital if you had a procedure such as removing a gallstone or inserting a stent.

If you go home on the same day you will need a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours until the sedation has worn off.

You should not drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after receiving the sedation.

You may resume normal activities after 24 hours.
Because of the effect of the sedation, most people will remember very little about the procedure.

Reference
ERCP Patient UK 2006
Sedation and Anaesthesia in Radiology, Royal College of Radiologists Sept 2003
BSIR Guidelines (British Society of Interventional Radiography)
BSG Guidelines (British Society of Gastroenterology)


For further information
www.corecharity.org.uk

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