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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialised medical procedure used to diagnose and treat issues in the pancreatic and bile ducts. These ducts play an essential role in directing digestive fluids where they are needed in the body. The procedure involves using an endoscope, a long, thin tube equipped with a light and camera, to allow doctors to see inside the body.
At Manipal Hospitals in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, our skilled gastroenterologists perform ERCP by guiding the endoscope through your mouth, down the throat, and into your oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Once in place, the doctor injects a dye through the tube and takes X-rays to see how the dye flows through the pancreatic and bile ducts. This helps identify any blockages or other issues. In addition, procedures such as gallstone removal from the bile duct can be performed during ERCP. Our surgeons are proficient in performing simple to ERCP Complicated Procedure in Bhubaneswar with precision.
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ERCP Complicated Procedure in Bhubaneswar may be required if you experience unexplained abdominal pain or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). It is also useful for finding more information on conditions like pancreatitis or cancers of the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts. Other issues that ERCP can detect include:
ERCP combines endoscopy with a type of moving X-ray known as Fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy helps visualise fluid movement through the biliary ducts, identifying leaks or blockages. The endoscope allows the technician (endoscopist) to access the area physically, inject contrast dye, and perform minor procedures as needed.
A gastroenterologist, who specialises in digestive system conditions, typically performs an ERCP. These specialists are trained in endoscopic procedures, which can sometimes serve as alternatives to minor surgeries.
ERCP is not traditional surgery, which involves making incisions to access organs. Instead, it is an endoscopic procedure, using a pre-existing opening (the throat) to access your body. Some operations performed through the endoscope may involve cutting or stitching, but they are generally minor with fewer risks and shorter recovery times compared to classic surgery.
ERCP can remove gallstones located in the bile duct. However, your doctor cannot perform the procedure to remove gallstones that are in the gallbladder.
Endoscopy is a general term for procedures using an endoscope to examine various parts of the body, such as the lungs, bladder, and colon. The ERCP is focused on examining the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions, but generally, you should:
Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum for eight hours before the test.
Discuss your medical history and medications with your provider, including any blood thinners.
Inform your provider of any allergies to contrast dye or anaesthesia.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as the anaesthesia can take 24 hours to wear off.
The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Here is what you can expect:
An intravenous (IV) line with sedatives is placed in your arm to help you relax.
You will be asked to gargle using a liquid anaesthetic or receive a spray for your throat to prevent gagging. Some patients receive general anaesthesia.
During the examination, you will lie on a table while the surgeon guides the endoscope through your throat, stomach, and into your small intestines.
The endoscope will pump in air to expand structures for better visibility.
Your doctor will try to locate where the bile and pancreatic ducts connect with your small intestines, and then a catheter will be inserted through the endoscope.
Contrast dye will be injected through the catheter to make the ducts visible on a type of X-ray known as Fluoroscopy.
Your surgeon will then pass tools through the endoscopy to perform treatments such as the removal of stones.
After the procedure, you’ll stay at the hospital or clinic for 1 to 2 hours until the sedation wears off. Some patients may need to stay overnight. Common side effects include bloating, nausea, and a sore throat, which typically resolve quickly. You can resume your normal diet once you can swallow normally. It is important not to drive for 24 hours, so arrange for a ride home.
ERCP is not considered high-risk, but as with any invasive procedure, there are potential complications.
While ERCP is generally safe, complications can occur, such as:
Reactions to the sedative affect your breathing rate or heart function
Allergic reactions to the contrast dye
Injury to the stomach or duodenum, such as perforation or bleeding
Bile duct leaks caused by the instruments
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Infection
The ERCP is the preferred method for diagnosing and treating most bile duct and pancreatic duct obstructions and many other bile duct and pancreatic duct conditions. Success rates vary depending on the specific reason why ERCP is performed.
At Manipal Hospitals, we use advanced technology and a team of experienced specialists to provide high-quality, patient-centric care. Our focus is on ensuring comfort and accurate diagnosis for our patients, making us a top choice for ERCP and other gastroenterological procedures in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
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