An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that lets doctors find and treat bile duct and pancreas conditions. The bile duct drains bile, and the pancreas makes pancreatic fluid to help digest the foods you eat.
What is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)?
An ERCP combines two parts. The first part is an X-ray that takes images of liquids (fluoroscopy) flowing through your biliary ducts to help identify problem areas.
The second part uses an endoscope, a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end. Doctors route a smaller tube through the endoscope to inject the contrast dye. They can also pass tools through the endoscope to treat issues as they are found during the same procedure.
Your care team will do an ERCP when they suspect conditions such as gallstones, narrowing of the bile ducts (strictures) causing liver blockage, or pancreatitis.
Why choose us for ERCP in San Antonio
There are many reasons to choose 黑料网 for your procedure, including:
- Advanced treatment: Our doctors use the most advanced endoscopes and devices available. This state-of-the-art technology produces crystal-clear, high-definition imaging. As a result, doctors can diagnose and treat GI and liver cancers more precisely.
- Clinical collaboration: Our advanced gastroenterologists work closely with a multidisciplinary team鈥攇astroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, oncologists from the Mays Cancer Center and other specialists鈥攖o provide seamless, comprehensive care. Experts at the Mays Cancer Center and the 黑料网 Multispecialty and Research Hospital integrate research and personalized treatment, delivering a level of care unique in the region.
- Exceptional expertise: Our doctors are fellowship trained in GI cancer and are subspecialty trained in rare conditions like bile duct cancer. They are nationally and internationally renowned in their fields.
- State-of-the-art technology and materials: We use next-generation scopes with high-definition imaging in procedure rooms that allow for live images. Our experts use therapeutic tools that enable extreme precision, lasers to break down difficult stones, a full range of tailored stents and single-use accessories for added safety.
What to expect with ERCP
An ERCP is usually an outpatient procedure that takes about one to two hours. You receive anesthesia so you鈥檙e comfortable throughout the procedure. Some patients have deep sedation and in other cases general anesthesia. An anesthesia professional monitors you the entire time. Because the scope passes through your mouth, your provider may also numb your throat to reduce discomfort.
Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure.
Frequently asked questions about ERCP
How does ERCP work?
During the procedure, your GI (gastrointestinal) doctor will guide the endoscope down your throat, through the stomach and into the small intestine. They will inject dye that enables them to view bodily organs.
The camera attached to the endoscope projects real-time video for doctors to review. This imagery (fluoroscopy) uses pulses of X-ray beams to obtain the images.
Depending on what they find, your GI doctor may perform a biopsy or remove gallstones. They may place a stent to restore flow through the bile or pancreatic ducts.
How do I prepare for my ERCP?
Be sure to take any regular or prescription medicines on schedule leading up to your procedure. Share the list of medications you take with your care team, so they can tell you if there are any medicines you should stop taking before your procedure.
Medicines that you may need to discontinue before your procedure include:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Herbal supplements
- Weight loss medications
Do not eat any solid food for at least eight hours before your procedure. Your care team may adjust this timing based on your health and schedule. Please follow any additional instructions they provide.
What happens after ERCP?
After your procedure, you will be in the post-anesthesia care unit until you are fully awake. When you leave the hospital, it is safe to eat and drink normally but wait 24 hours to drink alcohol. The day after your procedure, you can return to your usual activities.
You may experience some discomfort, such as bloating, nausea or a sore throat, for one to two days following your procedure. This is common and will subside on its own.
Are there risks or complications associated with ERCP?
There is a 5-10% risk of complications with ERCP, depending on your pre-existing conditions and other factors. The most common risk is pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), but it is usually mild.
Less common risks include:
- Bleeding
- Contrast dye reaction/allergy
- Infection
- Perforation/duct injury
- Sedation/anesthesia reactions
- Stent issues (if a stent is placed)
Your doctor will review your personal risk and the steps we take to reduce it before the procedure.
Contact Us
ERCP requires a physician鈥檚 referral. Call 210-450-9880 to make an appointment with one of our specialists to see if you are eligible.