Endoscopy is the examination of an internal body part with an instrument called an endoscope. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technique that uses x-ray to view the patient's bile and pancreatic ducts (figure 1).
The function of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct is to drain the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas; the two main ducts convey the bile and the pancreatic juice into the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) (figure 1). The most common reason why someone would need an ERCP is because of a blockage of one of these ducts (often due to gallstones).
The endoscopist (a doctor who has special training in the use of endoscopes) will examine the bile and/or pancreatic ducts, looking for abnormalities such as blockages, irregularity in the tissue, problems with the flow of bile or pancreatic fluid, stones, or tumors. If a problem is found, the endoscopist can often perform a procedure to repair or improve the condition; as a result, ERCP has replaced surgery in most patients with common bile duct and pancreatic disease.
Many patients who need ERCP are hospitalized, but ERCP can also be performed as an outpatient procedure, depending on the patient's condition and on the complexity of the required procedure.
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the test. It is important for the stomach to be empty to allow the endoscopist to visualize the entire area, and to decrease the chance of vomiting during the procedure.
You may be instructed to adjust the dose of your medications or stop taking specific medications prior to the examination. Some medications need to be discontinued for several days. All medications and dietary supplements should be discussed with your provider, since some are more important than others; for example, if you are taking a blood thinning medication, the provider will determine how and when you should stop taking this prior to ERCP.
You will need a friend or family member to escort you home after the examination. This is because the medications used for sedation can impair reflexes, judgment, and your ability to drive (similar to the effects of alcohol).
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE ENDOSCOPY UNIT
Prior to the endoscopy, you will be asked some questions about your medical history and the medications you are currently taking; the ERCP procedure will also be explained in detail.
Sedation — The nurse will start an intravenous (IV) line (by inserting a needle into a vein in the hand or arm) to administer medications. Most endoscopy units use a combination of a sedative to induce relaxation, and a medication to prevent discomfort. This is called "conscious sedation" because you are awake but the body is relaxed and pain is numbed. In some more complicated cases, you may be sedated more heavily or given anesthesia (put to sleep) for the ERCP.
For safety reasons, you will be asked to remove eyeglasses or contact lenses, and dentures. Before the procedure begins, you may be given local anesthetic (a numbing spray applied onto the throat or gargled).
ERCP is performed in a room that contains x-ray equipment. You will lie on a special table during the examination, generally on your left side or stomach.
Although many people worry about discomfort from the endoscopy, most people tolerate it well and feel fine afterwards. Medications will be given through the IV line during the procedure. A plastic mouth guard is placed between the teeth to prevent damage to the teeth and endoscope. Many patients sleep during the test; others are very relaxed and not aware of the examination.
The ERCP endoscope is a special flexible tube, approximately the size of a finger. It contains a lens and a light source that allows the endoscopist to view the inside of the patient's body; images are magnified on a monitor so that even very small details and changes can be seen. The endoscope also contains channels that allow the endoscopist to take biopsies (painless tissue samples) and introduce or withdraw fluid, air, or other instruments.
You will be asked to swallow the tube; most people have no difficulty with this as a result of the sedating medications. Once the scope is inserted through the mouth, air is gently introduced to open up the esophagus, stomach, and intestine so the scope can be passed through those structures and to allow the endoscopist to see (figure 1).
Depending on what the endoscopist sees during the ERCP, he or she may perform a variety of procedures or treatments.
You may experience mild discomfort as air is introduced through the endoscope. This is not harmful and belching may relieve the sensation. The endoscope does not interfere with breathing. Taking slow and deep breaths during the procedure may help you to relax.
The length of the examination varies, between 30 minutes and two hours (usually about an hour).
RECOVERY AFTER ERCP
After ERCP, you will be monitored while the sedative medication wears off. The medicines cause most people to temporarily feel tired or have difficulty concentrating, so it is usually advised not to return to work or drive that day.
The most common discomfort after the examination is a feeling of bloating as a result of the air introduced during the examination. This usually resolves quickly. Some people also have a mild sore throat. Most people are able to drink clear liquids shortly after the examination. In some cases, blood tests may be done the same day following ERCP.
The endoscopist can usually tell the patient the results of their examination right away. If biopsies were taken, the tissue will need to be sent to a lab for analysis.
ERCP is a safe procedure and serious complications are uncommon. If complications do occur, they are usually mild, and may include the following:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is the most frequent complication, occurring in about 3 to 5 percent of people undergoing ERCP. When it occurs, it is usually mild, causing abdominal pain and nausea, which resolve after a few days in the hospital. Rarely pancreatitis may be more severe. (See "Patient information: Acute pancreatitis (Beyond the Basics)".)
- Sometimes the endoscopist needs to make a cut into the ampulla (the place where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct join the small bowel) (picture 1). Bleeding can occur from a cut into the ampulla, but it is usually minimal and stops quickly by itself or can be controlled during the ERCP procedure.
- The ERCP scope or other instruments can cause a tear or hole in the intestine being examined (called perforation). This is a serious condition, often requiring surgical intervention, although it occurs rarely.
- Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis) is rare in general, but it can occur, particularly in patients with certain preexisting conditions. Treatment of infections requires antibiotics and drainage of excess fluid.
- Aspiration (inhalation) of food or fluids into the lungs. The risk of this complication is minimal in people who do not eat or drink for several hours before the examination.
The following symptoms should be reported immediately:
- Severe abdominal pain (not just gas cramps)
- A firm, distended abdomen
- Fever or chills
- Difficulty in swallowing or a severe sore throat
- A crunching feeling under the skin
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION
Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.
This article will be updated as needed on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below.
Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.
The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.
Patient information: Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) (The Basics)
Patient information: Jaundice in adults (The Basics)
Patient information: Pancreatitis (The Basics)
Patient information: Pancreatic cancer (The Basics)
Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed. These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.
Patient information: Acute pancreatitis (Beyond the Basics)
Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.
Cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy
Endoscopic balloon dilatation for removal of bile duct stones
Endoscopic management of bile duct stones: Standard techniques and mechanical lithotripsy
ERCP in children: Technique, success and complications
Overview of indications for and complications of ERCP and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy
Post-ERCP septic complications
Rare complications of ERCP
The following organizations also provide reliable health information.
- National Library of Medicine
- The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse