What is ercp test

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 wide narrowed ducts and to place small tubing in these ducts to keep them open.

The exam takes from 20 to 40 minutes, after which the patient is taken to the recovery area. After the exam, the physician explains the results. If the effects of the sedatives are prolonged, the physician may suggest an appointment for a later date when the patient can fully understand the results. An ERCP is performed primarily to correct a problem in the bile ducts or pancreas.

This means the test enables specific treatment. If a gallstone is found during the exam, it can often be removed, eliminating the need for major surgery.

If a blockage in the bile duct causes yellow jaundice or pain, it can be relieved by sphincterotomy or stent placement. A temporary, mild sore throat sometimes occurs after the exam. Serious risks with ERCP, however, are uncommon. One such risk is excessive bleeding, especially when electrocautery is used to open a blocked duct.

In rare instances, a perforation or tear in the intestinal wall can occur. Inflammation of the pancreas also can develop. These complications may require hospitalization and, rarely, surgery.

The pancreas is a gland that produces digestive juices and hormones. Find out about symptoms, tests you might have to diagnose it, treatment and about living with it. Gallbladder cancer is a cancer that begins in the gallbladder, which is part of the biliary system. It is quite rare in the UK and more common in women than in men. About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since Questions about cancer? Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us. Skip to main content.

What is an ERCP? They can take samples biopsies of any abnormal looking areas. The test takes between 15 minutes and 2 hours. You might have this test: if your blood tests show abnormal liver results if you have severe inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis to help work out how big a tumour is the stage if your doctor thinks there is a blockage in your bile ducts — this causes symptoms including yellowing of your skin and whites of your eyes, itchiness, tummy pain and dark coloured urine You might have an ERCP as part of your treatment.

During the test You usually have an injection of sedation first to make you very drowsy. Your nurse checks your heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen levels throughout the test. After the test Your doctor removes the tube. You might not remember much if anything about the test when you wake up from the sedation.

After the test you might: have a sore throat for a few days have bloating and discomfort in your tummy abdomen for a short time feel sick or be sick after the sedation Your nurse removes the cannula from your hand before you leave. Possible risks ERCP is generally a safe procedure but as with any medical procedure, there are possible risks.

Inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis You may have pain in your tummy abdomen after this test. Infection There's a risk of infection with this test. Allergic reaction There is a risk of having an allergic reaction to the sedation or dye. Tear in your bowel Very rarely there is a small tear perforation in the first part of your small bowel. Exposure to radiation The amount of radiation you receive from the x-rays during the test is small and doesn't make you feel unwell.

You can also contact the Cancer Research UK nurses on freephone for information and support. The lines are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Find information on your cancer type. The pancreatic duct is the drainage channel from the pancreas. During ERCP, your doctor will pass an endoscope through your mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum first part of the small intestine.

An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube that lets your doctor see inside your bowels. After your doctor sees the common opening to the ducts from the liver and pancreas, called the major duodenal papilla, your doctor will pass a narrow plastic tube called a catheter through the endoscope and into the ducts. Your doctor will inject a contrast material dye into the pancreatic or biliary ducts and will take X-rays. You should fast for at least six hours and preferably overnight before the procedure to make sure you have an empty stomach, which is necessary for the best examination.

Your doctor will give you precise instructions about how to prepare. You should talk to your doctor about medications you take regularly and any allergies you have to medications or to intravenous contrast material dye. The bile ducts are channels that drain bile from the liver and gallbladder; the pancreatic ducts drain the pancreas. Both types of ducts empty into the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Figure 1. Endoscope in position in the duodenum, facing the papilla; the bile duct is showed in green and the pancreatic duct in brown.

The most common reason is to find and remove gallstones lodged within the bile duct. Other reasons can include finding causes of persistent pain in the upper abdomen on the right side, looking for causes of acute pancreatitis acute inflammation of the pancreas and to relieve obstruction of the bile duct caused by tumours such as pancreas cancer and responsible of jaundice.

ERCP is performed by gastroenterologists or surgeons who are specially trained in this technique. An endoscope is a long, flexible tube with a camera and a light at the tip.

Since the procedure is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia, you will get a consultation with an anaesthesiologist prior to the procedure. The endoscope or tube is placed into the mouth and advanced into the oesophagus, stomach, and to the point in the duodenum where the bile duct enters; this is known as the papilla. A plastic catheter thin tube is threaded through the scope to come out its tip and then is maneuvered to enter the papilla and the ducts.

Contrast dye radio-opaque material is then injected into the ducts and X-rays are taken. By examining the ducts in this way, information about blockages, stones, tumours, or irregularities of the ducts can be gathered.

If abnormalities are found, the doctor can perform techniques to repair or improve the condition. For example, if stones are seen, the papilla can be widened or cut open and stones may be removed from the duct with a guidewire. The papilla contains a sphincter muscle that is often cut using cautery the passage of electric current during the procedure sphincterotomy , which allows for better duct drainage.

If there is narrowing stricture of the bile duct, a short plastic or metal tube called a stent will be placed across the narrowing to drain the bile. Figure 2. Image showing sphincterotome at papilla, after sphincterotomy has been cut and guidewire in place in the common bile duct, with a large stone in the bile duct.

You will be required to fast prior to your procedure. The stomach should be empty in order for the stomach to be fully visualised. An empty stomach also decreases the risk of vomiting and aspiration. You should discuss all current medications with your doctor and the anaesthesiologist, as some may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped prior to the procedure.

This step is especially important if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners warfarin or heparin , clopidogrel, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , insulin, or other medicines for diabetes.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are common medications used to treat arthritis, pain or inflammation, and include ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, to name a few.