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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialised procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, pancreas, and gallbladder. This minimally invasive technique combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to provide detailed images and allow for therapeutic interventions.
At the Gastrointestinal Science Department of Manipal Hospitals in Broadway, Kolkata, our expert team is highly skilled in performing ERCP, offering patients state-of-the-art care for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions. We provide comprehensive care with a focus on patient safety and comfort. Our experienced gastroenterologists use the latest technology and techniques to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment of gastrointestinal conditions.
Consult our gastro hospital if you need an ERCP Diagnostic Test in Broadway, Kolkata.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialised procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, pancreas, and gallbladder. This minimally invasive technique combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to provide detailed images and allow for therapeutic interventions. Book an appointment today
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It combines X-ray imaging with an endoscope, a long, flexible tube with a camera and light, inserted through the mouth into the digestive tract.
ERCP may be recommended if you have:
Unexplained stomach pain.
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin).
Chronic pancreatitis.
Suspected tumours in the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts.
The recommendations for ERCP preparation include the following:
Your healthcare professional will describe the procedure and allow you to ask questions.
You may be asked to sign a consent document, which provides you permission to take the test.
Read the form carefully and ask clarifying questions if necessary.
Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have ever had a response to a contrast dye or are allergic to iodine.
Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medications, latex, tape, or anaesthesia.
You are advised not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the operation.
You may be given additional instructions regarding a particular diet for one to two days before the treatment.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant.
Inform your healthcare practitioner about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements you are using.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are using any blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other blood-clotting inhibitors.
If you have heart valve disease, your doctor may give you antibiotics before the treatment.
An ERCP can be performed as an outpatient procedure or during a hospital stay. Typically, an ERCP follows this procedure:
You must remove any clothing, jewellery, or other items that may interfere with the treatment.
You will need to remove your clothes and put on a hospital gown. An IV(intravenous) line will be inserted into your body via your arm.
During the surgery, you may get oxygen through a tube inserted into your nose.
On the x-ray table, you will lie on your left side or, more commonly, on your belly.
Numbing medication can be sprayed into the back of your throat. This prevents gagging as the endoscope is passed down your throat.
You will be unable to swallow any saliva that accumulates in your mouth throughout the operation.
Your provider will guide the endoscope down the oesophagus, into the stomach, and the duodenum until it reaches the biliary tree ducts.
Once the endoscope reaches the duodenum, a contrast dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts. This dye helps to outline these ducts on X-ray images, making them visible for diagnosis.
As the contrast dye fills the ducts, X-ray images are taken. These images allow the gastroenterologist to identify any abnormalities, such as gallstones, strictures (narrowing), or tumours.
If abnormalities are detected, therapeutic procedures can be performed during the same ERCP. For example, gallstones can be removed, narrowed ducts can be widened (dilated), or stents can be placed to keep ducts open.
In some cases, tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken for further analysis to help diagnose conditions like cancer or inflammation.
Once the procedure is complete, the endoscope is carefully removed. You'll be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off, and your vital signs are stable.
After the procedure:
You may experience mild throat discomfort.
Some patients may have bloating or nausea, which usually resolves quickly.
Most patients can go home the same day and resume normal activities within a day or two.
ERCP typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the case.
ERCP is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries risks such as infection, bleeding, or pancreatitis. Your healthcare team will discuss these risks with you beforehand and take steps to minimise them.
Four hours after your treatment, you will be able to drink water and, if you can swallow without difficulty, you will be offered food. You may get a sore throat for a short period of time following the test; this is typical and should resolve within a day; drinking cold beverages can help.
Yes, bile duct stones are often removed using ERCP, a minimally invasive treatment that combines X-rays and upper endoscopy.
You may experience discomfort when swallowing for at least 48 hours following an ERCP. This discomfort may continue for several weeks, but it does improve. If you experience bloating or stomach discomfort, it could be due to the air that was introduced into your stomach during the treatment.
Urine will be dark coloured this is induced by the release of bile. Bile can make urine seem orange or brown. In some circumstances, bile may make the stool appear lighter in colour.