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ERCP Diagnostic Test in Dhakuria

ERCP

ERCP Diagnostic Test in Dhakuria

ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, a diagnostic aid that allows healthcare providers to look for any abnormality in the bile and pancreatic ducts. Healthcare providers may prescribe an ERCP test to check for biliary system issues.

The healthcare provider uses a flexible, illuminated tube known as an "endoscope" during ERCP procedures. As thick as your index finger, the endoscope, often known as the scope, is passed through your mouth and into the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine, which is your stomach. Next, using a tiny, flexible plastic tube that fits through the scope, the doctor injects a dye that appears on X-rays. Your doctor can see the ducts and their efficiency through this tool.

 

FAQ's

The purpose of ERCP is to identify and treat issues with the bile and pancreatic ducts. For instance, you may be diagnosed with ERCP if your physician believes you have a pancreatic, liver, or bile duct illness. To determine the source of any anomalous findings from a CT scan, ultrasound, or blood test, or to address an issue that was found during one of these procedures. Lastly, your doctor can determine which procedure is ideal for you and whether you need surgery with the aid of ERCP.

The most common reasons for ERCP include:

  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), light stool and dark urine
  • Stones in the bile or pancreatic duct
  • A lesion or tumour in the pancreas, gallbladder, or liver

ERCP is a sophisticated endoscopic technique. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a common upper endoscopy procedure, only reaches the upper gastrointestinal system. To access your biliary ducts, an ERCP employs an extension with a regular endoscope, which is a second catheter that goes within the first. With the help of this tiny endoscope extension, an endoscopist can work directly on your ducts. The only endoscopic treatment that permits this is ERCP. 

Your healthcare provider gives you personalised instructions according to your overall health conditions in general. They’ll ask:

  • Not to smoke or drink 8 hours before the test.
  • Discuss present medical conditions and medications with the health practitioner. They might ask you to discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners. 
  •  Discuss any allergic reactions you may experience due to contrast dye and anaesthesia.

In your arm, an intravenous (IV) line is inserted, and anaesthesia is given through an IV for sedation. Sometimes, a local anaesthetic spray is used to numb the throat. For the test, you will lie on your left side or your stomach. A mouth guard will be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth. Any dentures in the patient’s mouth must be removed.

The endoscope is introduced into the mouth once the sedative has taken effect. It passes through the duodenum, the portion of the small intestine closest to the stomach, after passing through the oesophagus, food pipe, and stomach. A thin tube (catheter) is passed through the endoscope and inserted into the tubes (ducts) that lead to the pancreas and gallbladder. A special dye is injected into these ducts, and X-rays are taken. This helps the doctor see stones, tumours and any areas that have become narrowed.

During an ERCP surgery, the air used to inflate the stomach and colon may produce mild bloating or gas for approximately 24 hours. You can get uncomfortable and may develop throat pain the first day following the surgery. Pain could persist for three to four days.

On the first day following the surgery, engage in only mild exercise. Don't lift anything heavy for the first 48 hours. You can treat pain with some pain relievers. Applying a heating pad also relieves pain and bloating. Drink fluids and eat only a light meal on the day after the procedure.

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Abdominal pain or severe bloating
  • Bleeding from the rectum or black stools
  • Fever above 100°F (37.8°C)
  • Nausea or vomiting

Roughly 5–10% of ERCP operations result in complications. The kind of therapeutic procedure you undergo during ERCP and any prior conditions you may have can influence the risks. Your gastroenterologist will talk to you beforehand about any possible hazards.

Possible complications include: 

  • Adverse reaction to the sedative. This can cause cardiopulmonary complications in people with preexisting lung or heart disease. 
  • Allergic reactions to the contrast dye. If this happens, your doctor will quickly administer medication to stop the reaction.
  • Injury to your GI tract from the endoscope. This could cause internal bleeding or, in severe cases, a hole.
  • An infection in your biliary system results from damage to your bile ducts caused by the endoscopic equipment.
  • Pancreatic irritation and inflammation brought on by the process. 
  • Your doctor might prescribe you medication ahead of time to avoid complications.
  • Pancreatic irritation and inflammation brought on by the process.