What is ERCP?

ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a method that allows diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the diseases of these regions by imaging the biliary tract and pancreatic duct. The procedure is performed with a bendable long tube-shaped instrument with a camera and light source at the end.

Some  in the treatment of diseases of the pancreas and biliary tract  ERCP is required. The procedure is performed with anesthesia. The application of anesthesia prevents the patient from feeling pain and increases the comfort of the patient and the procedure.  

What is ERCP done for?

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ERCP is applied as a therapeutic procedure in gallstones, biliary tract stenosis due to benign and malignant causes, biliary tract leaks developed after surgery, diseases such as common bile duct cyst and hydatid cyst, biliary pancreatitis, oddi sphincter dysfunction, pancreas divisum, biliary tract parasites. With ERCP, stones in the bile ducts are broken or removed as a whole. Stent application can be performed with ERCP in biliary stenosis and bile leakage.

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What kind of preparation is required for ERCP?

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Your stomach must be empty for the ERCP procedure. To achieve this, you must not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours. You can drink your important medications on the morning of the procedure by talking to your doctor. If you have a serious illness, if you are allergic to anesthetic substances or the contrast material used in the procedure, you should share it with your doctor. Aspirin and similar  If you are using blood thinners, you should share this with us before the procedure. Since anesthesia will be applied in the procedure, you should not drive after the procedure. You should remove your valuables, glasses, removable dentures and lenses before entering the treatment room.

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How is the ERCP process done?

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Before the procedure, you will be put to sleep by giving anesthetic substances through the vascular access. You will be asleep during the procedure due to the effect of anesthesia. Throughout the procedure, you will lie face down and the endoscopic instrument for ERCP will be swallowed by mouth. (Breathing is not prevented during the procedure, your own breathing continues). The process can take up to 20-60 minutes.

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What can be done during the ERCP procedure?

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If stones or obstructions are seen in the bile ducts, or if the doctor deems it necessary, the area where the biliary tract opens into your intestine can be enlarged. This procedure is called sphincterotomy. In addition, stones in the biliary tract are tried to be removed with a balloon or by breaking them. Stents made of metal or plastic can be placed in the biliary tract to allow the flow of bile.

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What is done after the ERCP procedure?

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After the ERCP procedure, you will be kept under observation until the effect of the anesthetic substance wears off. You can eat after the procedure only after your doctor approves.

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What undesirable effects (complications) can be observed after the ERCP procedure?

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The ERCP procedure is generally a safe procedure, but there are some risks of complications. The ERCP procedure is generally a safe procedure, but there are some risks of complications. Undesirable effects such as abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, black stool, inflammation of the biliary tract and gallbladder, inflammation of the pancreas organ, intestinal perforation can be seen rarely after the procedure.

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By using endoscopy equipment and methods, the treatment of many diseases is done with ERCP without the need for surgery. In today's conditions, it is a procedure that can be performed with appropriate analgesia and sedation, by applying anesthesia and increasing patient comfort.  

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