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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, abbreviated as ERCP, is a diagnostic procedure to diagnose and treat problems related to the bile ducts or pancreas.
Pre-procedure: Symptoms and medical history are evaluated, and instructions are provided regarding preparation for the procedure.
Procedure: A mouth guard will be inserted before the procedure to protect your mouth. During the procedure, anaesthesia is administered to numb the pain, and an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and passed through the oesophagus and stomach to the top of the small intestine. The bile and pancreatic duct openings are located using the endoscope. A catheter is passed through the endoscope in the ducts, leading to the gallbladder and pancreas. Contrast dye is administered, and using fluoroscopy imaging, specialists look out for abnormalities or narrowings. Sometimes, depending on the severity of the condition, specialists might employ interventions during an endoscopy procedure.
Post-procedure: After the procedure, we remove the endoscope and move you for additional monitoring.
Manipal Hospitals' ERCP Test Centre in Kolkata is known for its standardised and safe procedures. The team here is efficient in delivering safe and effective treatment.
Specialists usually suggest Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) if they find any abnormalities in non-invasive tests, such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or ultrasounds, or if patients exhibit symptoms like unexplained upper abdominal pain or signs of jaundice, which include yellowing of the skin. Conditions that specialists address by using ERCP generally include:
Bile duct or gallbladder stones
Leakage from pancreatic or bile ducts
Infections
Acute pancreatitis
Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders such as sclerosing cholangitis or biliary cholangitis
Narrowing of bile ducts due to tissue scarring (biliary stricture)
Tumours or cancers of early and advanced stages
Based on the complexity of the disease, some interventions employed by specialists along with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) include:
Removal or breaking of bile gallstones
Tumour removal or Biopsy
Dilation of narrowed bile ducts
Repair of bile duct leakage or injury
Opening or increasing the size of the opening of the bile or pancreatic duct, also known as Biliary Endoscopic Sphincterotomy (EST)
General instructions you should follow before undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) include:
Informing our specialist regarding your medical history, symptoms, or any allergies caused by certain medications or anaesthesia
Refraining from medications such as anti-coagulants and other medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Arranging your ride and stay at the hospital
Notifying our specialist if you are pregnant
Fasting for 8 hours before the procedure
Sharing any concerns or asking questions related to the procedure
Some complications that may arise during or after undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) include:
Allergic reactions to anaesthesia or contrast dyes
Iatrogenic injuries, such as injury to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or bile ducts due to endoscopic instruments
Infection in the biliary system
Irritation or pancreatic inflammation
Excessive bleeding
Some complications that may arise during or after undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) include:
Allergic reactions to anaesthesia or contrast dyes
Iatrogenic injuries, such as injury to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or bile ducts due to endoscopic instruments
Infection in the biliary system
Irritation or pancreatic inflammation
Excessive bleeding
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is usually conducted in an outpatient setting and may take one to two hours, depending on the condition and individual factors. However, the procedure may take longer if any interventions are employed.
After undergoing the procedure and necessary interventions, if any, you will be shifted to the recovery room for 2 to 6 hours for further observation or until the effects of anaesthesia wear off. During this period, vital signs are checked regularly, and any IV or cannula inserted will be removed. Sometimes, patients may be advised to stay overnight to check for any late complications. Moreover, specialists may recommend rectal suppositories for certain medicines to decrease pancreatitis. You will be given post-care instructions during your discharge to enhance your recovery.
General follow-up instructions you can follow after undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) include:
Adhering to pain medications and other medicines prescribed by your doctor
Refraining from consuming solid foods for 12 to 24 hours, depending on the condition. However, you can follow a clear liquid diet for 4 to 6 hours after the procedure
Taking adequate rest after the procedure
Abstaining from smoking, drinking alcohol, or chewing tobacco
Taking adequate leaves before returning to work. You may require more recovery time if an intervention is performed and your job involves manual labour
Avoiding strenuous or heavy exercises for a certain period or unless specified by our specialists
Symptoms you should be aware of and seek medical attention for after undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) include:
Severe abdominal pain
High-temperature fever or chills
Black-coloured stool
Yellowish skin or eye, signifying signs of jaundice
Nausea and vomiting
Problems related to swallowing or breathing that are present for longer periods and get worse
You can expect your results after 1 - 2 hours post-procedure. Our specialists will discuss what they have found and will advise if any additional treatments are needed to address your condition. However, in the case of a Biopsy, results might take 1 or 2 days, depending on the urgency of the treatment. Our specialists will discuss with you the next course of action based on the results obtained.
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