Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography | Hackensack Meridian Health   
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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in New Jersey

What is an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography?

An Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, is a simple outpatient exam. The exam typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, after which you will recover and return home the same day. An ERCP helps your physician provide you specific diagnoses and treatment options. In many cases, your physician will even be able to treat any issues during the exam, such as injecting solutions and removing polyps, gallstones or tissue samples (biopsies.)

An ERCP takes place in an X-ray room. After the patient is sedated, a special type of endoscope is inserted into the esophagus and is used to help inject dye into the pancreas and bile, which is produced by the liver. Your physician will take X-rays to further examine these areas and will also remove any gallstones or duct blockages, if found.

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Why an ERCP is Done

An ERCP is helpful in correcting issues occurring in the pancreas or bile ducts, such as:

  • Blockage of the bile duct (symptoms include yellow jaundice skin and dark urine)
  • Cancer of the pancreas or bile ducts
  • Gallstones
  • Pancreas inflammation (Pancreatitis)

What to Expect Before and After an ERCP

You will need to refrain from eating or drinking anything eight hours prior to the procedure. After the procedure, your physician will review your results with you. You may feel a temporary mild sore throat. Serious risks are rare, such as excessive bleeding, inflammation of the pancreas, or tears in the intestinal wall. You should not drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the exam day. Your physician will be able to provide you with additional information before your exam day.

Other Types of Gastrointestinal Exams

Other types of exams include certain types of x-rays (CAT scan, CT) and sonography (ultrasound). Your physician will discuss which is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

An ERCP is a simple outpatient exam that combines endoscopy (using a flexible tube with a camera) and X-rays to diagnose and treat issues in the pancreas and bile ducts. During the procedure, a special dye is injected into these ducts to make them visible on X-rays, allowing your physician to examine them for problems.
An ERCP is performed to find the cause of issues like bile duct blockages (which can cause jaundice), gallstones, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and suspected cancer. Yes, it is often used for treatment during the same procedure; physicians can remove gallstones, clear blockages, and take tissue samples (biopsies).
To prepare, you must not eat or drink anything for eight hours before the procedure. Afterward, you may have a temporary mild sore throat. Because you will be sedated, you cannot drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day. Your physician will review the results with you after the exam.

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