ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, also known as ERCP, is a diagnostic procedure that detects problems in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and bile ducts, the tube-like structures that carry bile throughout the liver and aid in the digestion of food.

ERCP combines the use of an endoscope with X-ray imaging tests to obtain a detailed view of these organs. ERCP can also be useful in treating certain problems found during the test, such as removal of gallstones and biopsy of abnormal growths.

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Reasons for ERCP

ERCP is primarily performed to detect and treat various abnormalities and conditions affecting the liver, pancreas and bile ducts. This includes various diseases, certain types of cancer, gallstones, cysts and tumors. ERCP may be recommended for patients who are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Darkened urine
• Severe abdominal pains, especially at the center of the stomach
• Light-colored stools
• Bleeding
• Jaundice, which may present as a yellowing of the skin and eyes

Preparing for ERCP

Prior to undergoing an ERCP, patients will be given a list of written instructions to follow. Patients are restricted from eating and drinking for at least eighthours before the test will begin, since the stomach must be empty during the procedure in order for the doctor to have a clear view of the entire targeted area.

Most medications are continued prior to the ERCP, although dosages will likely need to be adjusted. Any necessary changes to the dosages of certain medications, especially blood thinners, will be determined by the doctor, who must also be made aware of the presence of any allergies or pre-existing health conditions.

In an emergency, ERCP may be performed safely on a woman who is pregnant, although it is usually advisable for the procedure to be put on hold until after childbirth. Patients must also be accompanied by a friend or family member to their appointment, since driving is prohibited for approximately 24 hours after the ERCP.

The ERCP Procedure

The ERCP procedure begins with the placement of an intravenous, or IV, line in the patient’s arm, through which medication is administered to sedate the patient.

The patient will be positioned to lie on either the stomach or the left side during the exam. A flexible, lighted endoscope is then inserted into the mouth, passing through the esophagus and stomach. It is guided along until it reaches the duodenum, which is the small portion of the intestine located closest to the stomach.

A thin tube is then passed through the endoscope and inserted into the tubes, or ducts, which lead directly to the pancreas and gallbladder. A special dye is injected into those ducts, and X-rays will be taken. The X-ray images provide the doctor with the ability to visualize any cysts, tumors or gallstones, as well as any other evidence of disease or abnormalities.

In addition to diagnosing these conditions, ERCP can also be used to obtain a tissue sample for biopsy.  ERCP also involves the removal of abnormal growths or gallstones, opening the entry of the bile ducts into the bowel, drainage of blocked areas and diagnosis of tumors within the pancreas, bile ducts or gallbladder. The ERCP procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete.

Complications of ERCP

While ERCP is generally considered a safe procedure, it is not without possible risk of complications. The complications that may be associated with the procedure include:

• Bleeding
• Perforation of the bowel or bile duct
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Sore throat
• Breathing difficulties
• Fever
• Urine retention
• Infection

Ogden Clinic GI at McKay proudly provides patients from Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah with ERCP procedures. Call 801.475.3680 or fill out a Contact Form to schedule an appointment.