Experts in Compassionate Care
Lakeshore Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Institute doctors are the experts in compassionate patient care.
For Patients With Conditions In Their Pancreas Or Bile Ducts, An ERCP Can Help Treat You
Frequently known as an ERCP, the Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography allows for further evaluation of your pancreas and bile ducts, including jaundice and clarifying test results. The ERCP procedure combines Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy and x-rays to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
WHAT IS AN ERCP?
ERCP is a specialized endoscopic procedure which allows your Doctor to examine the pancreas, liver (bile ducts), or gallbladder which can become diseased. An ERCP also allows physicians to relieve a blockage, narrowing or diagnose symptoms patients are having.
Your doctor may recommend doing an ERCP exam if you have the following symptoms: abdominal pain, weight loss, or jaundice (a yellowing of the skin). The procedure will also be performed if you have had an ultrasound or CT scan which identified stones or a mass on these organs.
A bendable tube (called an endoscope), with a light on it, is placed into the patient’s mouth and down into the stomach, and through the first part of the small intestine. During the procedure a dye (contrast material) is injected and X-rays are taken to study the ducts of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. During the procedure your physician will observe the scopes path on a monitor.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION?
After your appointment, After your appointment, your Doctor will discuss an individual treatment plan with you and you will receive a visit summary. In addition to the appointment notes, you may receive a medication and a test order summary.
You will be given information about what you need to know to prepare for any tests or procedures. At that time we can give you with a summary about a variety of conditions related to your circumstances.
WILL I HAVE ANESTHESIA DURING MY ERCP?
Patients receive medication (a sedative) during an ERCP to help relax. Some medication may also be given to numb the throat. Please discuss any allergies or concerns you may have directly with your Doctor.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
Procedure times will vary. Your doctor will review the results of the exam with you.
COMMON CONDITIONS
Clarify abnormal results from blood tests
Clarify imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI or CT scan
Diagnosis or removal of bile duct stones
Diagnosis of tumors, both cancerous and noncancerous
Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin
Pancreatic disease or stones
Treatment of blockage of the bile duct
ADDITIONAL READING
For those patients who want to know more, we have linked articles with more information.
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
After your appointment you will receive a visit summary. We include everything you need to know about any tests or procedures your doctor has ordered. In addition to the notes from your visit, we can give you more reading about a variety of conditions related to your circumstances.