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ERCP is a medical procedure that diagnoses and treats problems in the bile ducts. An endoscope is inserted through the mouth to provide images of the internal organs. Contrast material is introduced to identify blockages, leaks, inflammation, and other problems. Patients may experience allergic reactions to the contrast medium, and those with known allergies should inform their doctors. Patients must take the test on an empty stomach and may need to adjust their medications. The procedure takes up to two hours, and patients need to spend time in the clinic before and after the exam.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a medical procedure that a doctor may recommend to diagnose problems in the bile ducts associated with the pancreas and liver. It is useful for both diagnosis and treatment and takes place in a hospital or clinic setting. The test itself can take up to two hours, and the patient will need to spend time in the clinic before and after the exam. It may be advisable to take a half day or a full day off to make time for the procedure.
In an ERCP, the doctor inserts an endoscope through the mouth to access the bile ducts. This provides a set of clear images that the doctor can use to assess the health of the patient’s internal organs. Your doctor can find gallstones, tumors, and other problems that can be removed endoscopically. This allows for very quick intervention, rather than having to wait for a second procedure to fix the problem.
Once the doctor successfully positions the endoscope, the next step is the introduction of the contrast material. As the dye flows through the bile ducts, a technician can take a series of X-rays to monitor it as it moves through the body. This can allow the doctor to identify problems such as blockages, leaks, inflammation and other problems that could be causing the patient’s condition. Once the ERCP is finished, the doctor can send the patient to hospitalization for monitoring.
Patients may need an ERCP if they experience recurring abdominal pain, jaundice, and other problems indicative of a problem with the bile ducts. The risks of the baseline test are low, although some patients may experience allergic reactions to the contrast medium. Patients with known allergies to shellfish or iodine should make sure their doctors are aware of this, as this can affect reactions to contrast dyes. If the doctor removes stones or growths, the risks of the procedure may increase, as the patient may be more prone to inflammation or infection due to the more invasive nature of the procedure.
Doctors provide medications to keep patients comfortable during an ERCP, which is why they have to wait after the test. A nurse should monitor the patient for signs of adverse drug reactions. Once the patient is fully awake and alert with no signs of complications, the physician can authorize the patient to be released. Patients preparing for an ERCP should be aware that they must take the test on an empty stomach and may need to adjust their medications, an issue they should discuss with their doctors. The doctor can also provide timing information so patients can plan ahead for rides to and from the procedure, time off work, and other issues.
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