What is a ERCP Scan?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, is a procedure to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It combines X-ray and the use of an endoscope—a long, flexible, lighted tube.

Does ERCP use ultrasound?

The main difference between the two is that endoscopic ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate a virtual image and ERCP procedure uses a video camera. These two techniques are commonly used for examining organs like the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.

Do you need to be NPO for ERCP?

Patients should refrain from eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure, except for critical medications taken with a small dose of water. After an ERCP, your doctor may recommend clear liquids, an NPO diet, or a low fat diet to help reduce chances of upset stomach and complications.

What are the indications for ERCP?

ERCP indications include obstructive jaundice, biliary or pancreatic ductal system disease treatment or tissue sampling, suspicion for pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis of unknown cause, manometry for sphincter of Oddi, nasobiliary drainage, biliary stenting for strictures and leakage, drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts.

Does ERCP remove gallstones?

ERCP helps providers diagnose and treat gallstones, inflamed gallbladders, bile duct blockages, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and other conditions.

Are you asleep for ERCP?

This is called “conscious sedation” because you are awake, but the body is relaxed and pain is numbed. In some more complicated cases, you may be sedated more heavily or given anesthesia (put to sleep) for the ERCP. For safety reasons, you will be asked to remove eyeglasses or contact lenses, and dentures.

What are the complications of ERCP?

The most frequent complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy are pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrhage, and duodenal perforation.

How do I prepare for an ERCP?

1. You may have diet and/or medication restrictions the week before the ERCP test.
2. You will not be allowed any heavy meal for at least 8 hours before the procedure, light meals or opaque liquids for 6 hours before, or clear liquids for at least 2 hours before.
3. Plan to take the day off from work.

Is ERCP painful?

ERCP is performed in a room that contains X-ray equipment. You will lie on a special table during the examination, generally on your left side or stomach. Although many people worry about discomfort from the endoscopy, most people tolerate it well and feel fine afterwards.

How painful is ERCP?

Some patients have pain following ERCP due to the large volume of air insufflated during the procedure. This results in bowel distention and painful spasm. In addition to pain, asymptomatic elevations in the amylase and/or lipase often occur following ERCP, with no clinical sequelae.

What are the risks of an ERCP procedure?

ERCP is generally a well-tolerated procedure, however complications may occur during the procedure including: Pancreatitis (3-5%) Bleeding (less than 1% of patients) Anaesthetic risk – reaction to the sedatives or anaesthetic used, complications from heart or lung disease, localised irritation of the vein area where injected may cause a tender lump lasting

What should I expect from an ERCP?

bile ducts and pancreas.

Is ERCP a test for liver function?

ERCP is a diagnostic procedure designed to examine diseases of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. ERCP is usually best performed under general anesthesia. It may be done using IV sedation. A blood test, lung function test, ECG, chest X-ray, and other tests may be performed prior to surgery.

What is an ERCP procedure with stent?

A plastic stent can be pushed through the ERCP scope into the blocked duct to allow drainage by the major papilla or minor papilla in selected cases. The metal stent is flexible and springs open to a larger diameter than plastic stents and used for malignant biliary obstructions.