ERCP
INSTRUCTIONS
You MUST bring someone with you to drive you home.
PROCEDURE
Your doctor has scheduled you to have an ERCP which is a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic test done with the aid of an x-ray that allows the doctor to directly examine your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and upper digestive tract using a narrow flexible instrument called a duodenoscope. When performed by a specially trained physician, this is a safe and accurate way to determine the condition of your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine or duodenum).
After preparing for your ERCP by fasting, you will report to the designated area, as discussed by your physician. Because you will be given intravenous (IV) sedation, you may NOT drive for 24 hours after your ERCP.
Please arrange another means of transportation.
Your ERCP will be done in hospital where the doctor will explain the procedure and give you an opportunity to ask questions before signing the consent form.
An intravenous (IV) will be started prior to your ERCP so that sedation may be given prior to and during the exam to keep you comfortable.
You will be lying on your stomach for this procedure and if you wear dentures, they will be removed just prior to the ERCP. Anesthesia will be administered and you will be monitored by a trained anesthesia specialist throughtout your exam and recovery. After you are asleep, the doctor will gently insert the duodenoscope toward the back of your throat and guide it down your esophagus into your stomach and into the first part of your small intestine. When the scope is in the proper position to examine your liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, small amounts of dye may be inserted through the scope so that x-rays can be taken.
You will be able to breathe normally during the exam. Periodically, a small suction tube may be placed just inside your mouthto remove saliva that may accumulate during the procedure.
Biopsies may be taken during the procedure and therapies may be performed through the duodenoscope. You should not feel this.
After your ERCP, additional x-rays may be taken and then you will be taken to a room where the IV will be removed and you will rest as the effects of the medication wear off.
Before you are discharged, you will be given instructions regarding problems to be aware of after the procedure, results of the exam, treatment, diet, and follow up appointments if needed.
After the ERCP, you should not expect to be uncomfortable but:
If you take insulin or oral diabetic medications, please call your doctor.
DO "NOT" TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS ON THE MORNING OF YOUR ERCP UNLESS YOU ARE DIRECTED OTHERWISE.
BE SURE TO WEAR LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING, COMFORTABLE SHOES, AND NO EXCESSIVE JEWELRY TO YOUR PROCEDURE.
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ANESTHESIA FORM COMPLETELY FILLED OUT TO YOUR PROCEDURE.
You MUST bring someone with you to drive you home.
PROCEDURE
Your doctor has scheduled you to have an ERCP which is a diagnostic and potentially therapeutic test done with the aid of an x-ray that allows the doctor to directly examine your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and upper digestive tract using a narrow flexible instrument called a duodenoscope. When performed by a specially trained physician, this is a safe and accurate way to determine the condition of your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine or duodenum).
After preparing for your ERCP by fasting, you will report to the designated area, as discussed by your physician. Because you will be given intravenous (IV) sedation, you may NOT drive for 24 hours after your ERCP.
Please arrange another means of transportation.
Your ERCP will be done in hospital where the doctor will explain the procedure and give you an opportunity to ask questions before signing the consent form.
An intravenous (IV) will be started prior to your ERCP so that sedation may be given prior to and during the exam to keep you comfortable.
You will be lying on your stomach for this procedure and if you wear dentures, they will be removed just prior to the ERCP. Anesthesia will be administered and you will be monitored by a trained anesthesia specialist throughtout your exam and recovery. After you are asleep, the doctor will gently insert the duodenoscope toward the back of your throat and guide it down your esophagus into your stomach and into the first part of your small intestine. When the scope is in the proper position to examine your liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, small amounts of dye may be inserted through the scope so that x-rays can be taken.
You will be able to breathe normally during the exam. Periodically, a small suction tube may be placed just inside your mouthto remove saliva that may accumulate during the procedure.
Biopsies may be taken during the procedure and therapies may be performed through the duodenoscope. You should not feel this.
After your ERCP, additional x-rays may be taken and then you will be taken to a room where the IV will be removed and you will rest as the effects of the medication wear off.
Before you are discharged, you will be given instructions regarding problems to be aware of after the procedure, results of the exam, treatment, diet, and follow up appointments if needed.
After the ERCP, you should not expect to be uncomfortable but:
- You may have abdominal discomfort. This is most likely due to air put in during the ERCP and should not last long.
- If you experience these symptoms: persistent abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, fever, nausea, or vomiting - you should contact your doctor immediately.
- Feel free to discuss these and other questions with the doctor or nurse before your examination. Please call us at 845-331-8222.
If you take insulin or oral diabetic medications, please call your doctor.
DO "NOT" TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS ON THE MORNING OF YOUR ERCP UNLESS YOU ARE DIRECTED OTHERWISE.
BE SURE TO WEAR LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING, COMFORTABLE SHOES, AND NO EXCESSIVE JEWELRY TO YOUR PROCEDURE.
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ANESTHESIA FORM COMPLETELY FILLED OUT TO YOUR PROCEDURE.