Endoscopic Retrograde Pancreatogram(ERCP)

Physician:  _____Abbassi _____Hameed _____Moglowsky

Procedure Date________ Time________ Arrival Time________

 

Preparation
The only preparation needed before an ERCP is to not eat or drink for eight hours prior to the procedure. You may be asked to stop certain medications such as aspirin before the procedure. Hold your evening does of insulin as you will not eat until after  your exam.

 

The Procedure
An ERCP uses x-ray films and is performed in an x-ray room. The throat is anesthetized with a spray or solution, and the patient is usually mildly sedated. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus. The patient breathes easily throughout the exam, with gagging rarely occurring. A thin tube is inserted through the endoscope to the main bile duct entering the duodenum. Dye is then injected into this bile duct and/or the pancreatic duct and x-ray films are taken. The patient lies on his or her left side and then turns onto the stomach to allow complete visualization of the ducts. If a gallstone is found, steps may be taken to remove it. If the duct has become narrowed, an incision can be made using electrocautery (electrical heat) to relieve the blockage. Additionally, it is possible to widen narrowed ducts and to place small tubing, called stents, in these areas to keep them open. The exam takes from 20 to 40 minutes, after which the patient is taken to the recovery area.

 

Day of the Procedure

· DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING THAT DAY!

· If you take medication, you may have it the morning of the procedure with a small amount of water. This means NO MORE than a few SMALL sips of water. You may brush your teeth.

· Arrive at the Endoscopy Center ONE HOUR BEFORE your procedure is scheduled.

· You must be accompanied by a friend or relative to drive you home. You MAY NOT drive, go home in a taxi or by bus. If this procedure is not followed, your procedure may be cancelled.

· Special Instructions:

· Hold morning dose of insulin the day of the procedure.

· If you have an artificial heart valve, or have a previous history of endocarditis, or other specific indication, your doctor may prescribe pre-procedure antibiotics.

· Bring a list of your medications (including the dosages) and any allergies to medications

Other____________________________________________________________

 

After you sign in, an IV will be placed in your arm so that we may administer medication to make you drowsy and prevent any discomfort during the procedure. The doctor will then place the endoscope into your mouth and ask you to swallow. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing and will easily pass down your esophagus and into your stomach. At the time of the endoscopy, other maneuvers such as biopsy or dilation of narrowed areas may be performed if needed. The entire exam should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

 

Good Luck!  Please call us if you have any questions at 388-8686

Digestive Disease Consultants