ERCP

Alternative Names: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; Papillotomy; Endoscopic sphincterotomy; ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used to identify stones, tumors, or narrowing in the bile ducts. The procedure is done through an endoscope.

Description of Procedure

An intravenous (IV) line is placed in your arm. You will lie on your stomach or on your left side for the test.

• Medicines to relax or sedate you will be given through the IV.
• Sometimes a spray to numb the throat is also used. A mouth guard will be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth. Dentures must be removed.

After the sedative takes effect, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth. It is passed through the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach until it reaches the duodenum (the part of the small intestine that is closest to the stomach).

You should not feel any discomfort and may have little or no memory of the test. You may gag as the tube is passed down your esophagus. As the scope is in place, there will be some stretching of the stomach and duodenum. You may feel stretching of the ducts.

A thin tube (catheter) is passed through the endoscope and inserted into the tubes (ducts) that lead to the pancreas and gallbladder. A special dye is injected into these ducts, and x-rays are taken. This helps the doctor see stones, tumors, and any areas that have become narrowed.

Special instruments can be placed through the endoscope and into the ducts.

Risks of ERCP

Reactions to the anesthesia, dye, or drug used during this procedure may include:

• Blurred vision
• Breathing problems
• Dry mouth
• Feeling of burning or flushing
• Hives
• Low blood pressure or slow heart rate
• Nausea
• Throat spasm
• Problems emptying your bladder (urine retention)

Risks from the procedure include:

• Bleeding
• Hole (perforation) of the bowel
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be very serious

Review Date: 8/11/2011
Reviewed By: George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA,Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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