Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP)

Pre-operation Preparation | Procedure | Post-operation Instruction | Possible Risks and Complications

ERCP is a procedure which allows the doctor to pass an endoscope (a flexible tube) through your mouth, stomach and duodenum to examine the bile duct and/or pancreas. It can diagnose lesions of pancreatic and bile ducts (e.g. gallstone, tumour etc). Doctor can use instrument to remove bile duct stones (if necessary) and place a plastic tube to relieve bile duct obstruction.

Pre-operation Preparation

  • No food or drink six hours before operation.
  • Please change into a surgical gown after removing all clothing including undergarments, dentures, jewellery and contact lenses.
  • Please empty your bladder before the operation

Procedure

  • The procedure is usually performed under intravenous sedation or anesthesia.
  • Local anaesthetic is sprayed on the back of your throat to help numb the area.
  • A plastic mouthpiece will be put between your teeth.
  • You are required to lie on your left side during the procedure.
  • Supplementary oxygen will be given.
  • Endoscope is introduced through the mouth, esophagus, stomach into duodenum.
  • Vital signs will be monitored throughout the procedure by nursing staff (including blood pressure, pulse and pulse oximetry).
  • The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes.
  • There may be discomfort during procedure. Please relax and breathe regularly.

Post-operation Instruction

  • You will be transferred back to the ward by nursing staff.
  • You may feel dizzy after sedative or anesthetic agents. Please stay in bed until the sedative effect of drug has been completely worn off.
  • No food or drinks is allowed after procedure. Nurses will tell you the time of resuming diet.
  • Soreness at the back of the throat and bloating due to air remaining in the stomach will be relieved very soon.
  • You may feel abdominal pain and distention temporary. Usually, the symptoms will be relieved within one hour.
  • Inform medical or nursing staff if you have severe pain over the abdomen, fever or vomiting after procedure.

Possible Risks and Complications

  • Common complications include:
    -  Pancreatitis (1 in 100)
    -  Perforation of intestine (<1 in 1000)
    -  Haemorrhage (1 in 10,000)
    -  Death (1 in 10,000)