Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
ERCP helps your doctor treat the tiny causes of big digestive system problems
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that uses a specialized endoscope and X-rays to diagnose and treat diseases of the bile ducts and pancreas.
Our specialists at IU Health University Hospital perform more ERCP procedures than any other single center in North America.
We are known worldwide for performing complex ERCP procedures and for participating in significant research studies that have shaped the treatment of pancreas and bile duct diseases.
When you undergo an ERCP, you’ll be sedated with anesthesia for a 30- to 90-minute procedure. This is not surgery. An endoscope is guided down your throat, into your esophagus, through your stomach and positioned in the small intestine where the bile ducts and pancreas drain.
Using the endoscope, radiologic imaging and a variety of tools, your doctor can perform a biopsy, study any abnormalities that were seen on other imaging tests and/or deliver treatment to the affected area as necessary.
Oftentimes, this is performed as an outpatient procedure and you will go home after a period of short observation after the procedure. If you have come from afar, we often recommend that you stay in a hotel locally for the first night after the procedure.
Watch: What to Expect with ERCP
What to Expect with ERCP
When you undergo an ERCP, you’ll be sedated with anesthesia for a 30- to 90-minute procedure. This is not surgery. An endoscope is guided down your throat, into your esophagus, through your stomach and positioned in the small intestine where the bile ducts and pancreas drain.
Using the endoscope, radiologic imaging and a variety of tools, your doctor can perform a biopsy, study any abnormalities that were seen on other imaging tests and/or deliver treatment to the affected area as necessary.
Oftentimes, this is performed as an outpatient procedure and you will go home after a period of short observation after the procedure. If you have come from afar, we often recommend that you stay in a hotel locally for the first night after the procedure.
Watch: What to Expect with ERCP
Your doctor will go over specific details as you prepare for ERCP. Generally, you should not eat or drink after midnight or for the eight hours before your procedure.
Your doctor will tell you what medications you should avoid that could interfere with the ERCP.
Make sure your provider is aware of any of the following:
- Allergies you have (especially to iodine or shellfish)
- Any mechanical devices such as a defibrillator
- If you are or may be pregnant
- If you have an underlying health problem such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney problems, or bleeding problems
Preparing for ERCP
Your doctor will go over specific details as you prepare for ERCP. Generally, you should not eat or drink after midnight or for the eight hours before your procedure.
Your doctor will tell you what medications you should avoid that could interfere with the ERCP.
Make sure your provider is aware of any of the following:
- Allergies you have (especially to iodine or shellfish)
- Any mechanical devices such as a defibrillator
- If you are or may be pregnant
- If you have an underlying health problem such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney problems, or bleeding problems
You may experience abdominal discomfort, bloating or gas in the first few hours after ERCP. If the ERCP involved complex treatment or involved complications, you may need to be admitted to hospital overnight for observation.
If the ERCP was straightforward, you may go home when your care provider clears you. You won’t be allowed to drive yourself home due to the sedation you received, so plan to have a friend or family member drive you. At home, rest and follow your discharge instructions.
Watch for signs of complications and contact your doctor if you notice abdominal pain, dizziness, fever, nausea, skin or eye yellowing, chills, vomiting, black-colored stools or rectal bleeding.
After ERCP
You may experience abdominal discomfort, bloating or gas in the first few hours after ERCP. If the ERCP involved complex treatment or involved complications, you may need to be admitted to hospital overnight for observation.
If the ERCP was straightforward, you may go home when your care provider clears you. You won’t be allowed to drive yourself home due to the sedation you received, so plan to have a friend or family member drive you. At home, rest and follow your discharge instructions.
Watch for signs of complications and contact your doctor if you notice abdominal pain, dizziness, fever, nausea, skin or eye yellowing, chills, vomiting, black-colored stools or rectal bleeding.
- How will you use ERCP to treat me?
- How long will the procedure last?
- What side effects might I experience?
- Will I need any follow-up treatment?
Questions to Ask Your Provider About ERCP
- How will you use ERCP to treat me?
- How long will the procedure last?
- What side effects might I experience?
- Will I need any follow-up treatment?
