Treat And Diagnose Gallstones, Blockages, or Tumors
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a method of combining X-ray and endoscopy to diagnose and treat disorders of the pancreas and bile duct such as stones, blockages and cancer. The procedure identifies problems like blockages or abnormalities in these areas.
Don’t Spend Another Day in Discomfort or Fear
You are in good hands with our experienced gastroenterologists.
Why Do You Need An ERCP?
If you are searching for the cause of unexplained abdominal pain, jaundice, pancreatitis, or cancers of the liver, pancreas, or bile ducts, you may require an ERCP. The procedure can also identify blockages or stones in the bile ducts, fluid leakage from the bile or pancreatic ducts, blockages or narrowing of the pancreatic ducts, tumors, and infections in the bile ducts.
How to Prep
For Your ERCP
- We will provide you with specific instructions before your exam.
- Please inform us of all your current medications, including aspirin, aspirin-containing drugs, or blood thinners.
- Tell us about allergic reactions to drugs, especially antibiotics or pain medications.
- You should not eat or drink anything starting at midnight before your ERCP.
- Our staff is happy to assist you with any concerns or questions.
We are here for you.
What to Expect
The Day of Your ERCP
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You can wear makeup but no jewelry.
- When you arrive, we will take your vital signs.
- You’ll receive an IV with pain medication and sedation to help you relax.
- A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light is inserted through your mouth, down your throat, into your esophagus, through the stomach, and into the duodenum, a part of the small intestine.
- Sedatives are used for the procedure, so you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Your driver must stay during your ERCP, or we cannot perform the procedure. We require this for your safety.
Getting Your Results
Following your procedure, we will discuss what we found during your ERCP in the recovery room. Since you may not remember talking to the doctor, your results will also be in your discharge instructions. Pathology may take up to 2 weeks to get results.