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ERCP

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Anonymous

14y ago
Updated: 3/26/2024
Definition

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used to identify stones, tumors, or narrowing in the bile ducts. The procedure is done through an endoscope.

Alternative Names

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; Papillotomy; Endoscopic sphincterotomy

How the test is performed

An intravenous (IV) line is placed in your arm. You will lie on your stomach or on your left side for the test. Medicines to relax or sedate you will be given through the IV. Sometimes a spray to numb the throat is also used. A mouth guard will be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth. Dentures must be removed.

After the sedative takes effect, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth, and passed through the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach until it reaches the duodenum (the part of the small intestine that is closest to the stomach).

A catheter (thin tube) 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, tumors, and any areas that have become narrowed.

Special instruments can be placed through the endoscope and into the ducts to

  • Open the entry of the ducts into the bowel
  • Stretch out narrow segments
  • Remove or crush stones
  • Take tissue samples
  • Drain blocked areas
How to prepare for the test

You will need to fast at least 4 hours before the test and sign a consent form. Remove all jewelry so that it will not interfere with the x-ray.

How the test will feel

Because of the intravenous sedation, you may not feel any discomfort, and may have no memory of the test. There may be some gagging as the tube is passed down the esophagus. As the scope is positioned, there will be some stretching of the stomach and duodenum. Occasionally, stretching of the ducts can be felt.

Air, used to inflate the stomach and bowel, can cause some bloating or gas. After the procedure, you may have a sore throat for 3 to 4 days. Some people have a bad reaction to the dye or the drugs used to relax the duodenum, which can cause symptoms like nausea, hives, burning sensation, blurred vision, and urine retention.

Why the test is performed

The procedure is used to identify any problems of the pancreas or bile ducts that can cause abdominal pain (usually in the right upper or middle stomach area) and yellowing of the skin and eyes ( jaundice). These include:

ERCP is often performed after gallstones in the common duct are discovered during cholecystectomy.

A procedure called endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) can be done at the same time as an ERCP.

Normal Values

The x-ray will show normal structures for the age of the patient.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may indicate stones or narrowing of the ducts, presence of tumors, cancer, cirrhosis (severe liver disease), and cysts(abnormal cavity filled with fluid or half-solid substances).

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

Reactions to the anesthesia, dye, or drug used during this procedure may include

  • Blurred vision
  • Breathing problems
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling of burning or flushing
  • Hives
  • Low blood pressure or slow heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Throat spasm
  • Urine retention

Risks related to the procedure include:

  • Bleeding
  • Perforation (hole) of the bowel
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be very serious

Long-term complications include:

  • Return of stones
  • Abscess
ReferencesPasricha PJ. Gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.Cecil Medicine.23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 136.
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14y ago

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Related Questions

ERCP with sphinterotomy what is the complication?

yankeemd


If pregnant can have ercp done?

ERCP can be done while pregnant but should only be done if absolutely necessary for therapeutic reasons. Main risks include pancreatitis (which could be devastating for the fetus), radiation exposure for the fetus as well as the complications normally expected during ERCP (i.e from sedation, contrast etc.) There are usually better options than ERCP for diagnostic purposes such as MRCP or EUS.


What are possible complications of ERCP?

Complications associated with ERCP include excessive bleeding, infection, pancreatitis, cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts), cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), and injury to the intestine.


What does the medical abbreviation ERCP mean?

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography


What is the cpt code for ERCP with removal of bile duct stones?

43264


What is the treatment for insufficient bile in stool?

Have an ERCP to make sure there is no blockage in your bile duct


Can a person drive after ERCP?

Patients will not be able to drive themselves because they undergo sedation during this test


How long before you can fly after ERCP to remove gallstones?

If your endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) was only a test, and no stents were placed, you should be able to fly within 24 hours. If a stent was placed, you should wait 2-3 days before travelling via air.


Where is the best site of eus ercp training center?

Endoscopy Asia. Dr Rathod is probably one of the best.


What is an ercp medical procedure?

This one's a mouthful. An ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a procedure that introduces substances backwards through the bile and pancreatic ducts via a colonoscopy to determine if there are any blockages in these ducts. The substances are radio-opaque so help visualize gallstones or narrowing of ducts under X-ray.


WHAT Type of contrast IS used during ercp's?

In ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), the contrast agent used is typically iodine-based. This type of contrast helps highlight the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts on X-ray images taken during the procedure, allowing the healthcare provider to identify any abnormalities or blockages.


What are normal results of ERCP?

In more than 90% of patients, the placement of a biliary stent relieves the obstruction and allows the bile duct to drain properly.