What is ERCP?

ERCP is a specialized procedure to examine and treat bile and pancreatic duct issues using a flexible camera passed through the mouth.

Why it's done:

• 🟡 Remove bile duct stones
• 🟡 Place stents for narrow/block ducts
• 🟡 Diagnose pancreatitis or duct injury
• 🟡 Biopsy suspicious areas
• Relieve jaundice due to blockages (cancer or stricture)

When Is It Needed?

• 🟨 Jaundice (yellow eyes/skin)
• 💥 Abdominal pain
• 📉 Abnormal liver tests
• ❓ Pancreatitis with unknown cause
• Blocked ducts or suspected tumors
• 🪫 Stones left post gallbladder surgery

ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic — problems can often be treated in the same session.

How Is It Done?

• 😴 Sedation or anesthesia for comfort
• 📹 Scope passed through mouth to small intestine
• 📍 Thin wire guided into bile/pancreatic duct
• 📸 Dye injected → X-ray imaging
• 🧹 Stones removed, stents placed, or biopsies taken

Time: 30–60 minutes
Hospital stay: Usually same-day discharge

What to Expect – Before & After

Before ERCP:

• 🥗 Fasting for at least 6 hours
• 💊 Inform about blood thinners or diabetes meds
• 📝 Consent taken
• 🩺 Monitored continuously during procedure

Possible Complications (Rare):

• 🔥 Pancreatitis
• 🦠 Infection (cholangitis)
• 🩸 Bleeding
• ⚠️ Perforation
• 🔁 Duct access failure (may require reattempt after 48 hrs)

Most patients recover smoothly and resume normal activities soon after.