The Procedure
Patients undergoing this procedure usually receive a combination of intravenous anesthetics. These are usually Demerol (meperidine), Versed (midazolam) or Fentanyl. The exact combination, dose and frequency of each of these are individualized for each patient. In most cases, patients do not remember their procedure, or, are adequately sedated such that the discomfort is well tolerated.
After you arrive at the hospital, an IV will be placed. You will be evaluated by the hospital nursing staff at that time. Your blood pressure, heart rate etc. will be taken and recorded. A heart monitor and supplemental oxygen may also be arranged at that time.
You will be taken to the radiology suite and placed on your stomach. After your physician arrives, you will be given intravenous medications to produce a state of conscious sedation. Once you are sedated, an endoscope (a fiber optic instrument) will be passed through your mouth and into the stomach. The endoscope will then be passed into the small intestine. Through the inside of the scope special instruments will be passed so that the bile ducts and pancreatic duct can be evaluated. X-ray images will be taken during the procedure. Depending upon the findings from the x-rays, your physician will then treat the underlying condition.
After the Procedure (Post-op)
You will be taken to the recovery room where your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc. will continue to be monitored by the nursing staff.
Many patients undergoing an ERCP receive large amounts of sedation for the procedure. Sometimes, patients are kept over night in the hospital to insure that the sedatives have completely worn off.
Patients must have someone to drive him or her home after conscious sedation (analgesics) have been administered.
Most patients will be lethargic and forgetful during the afternoon after the procedure. During this period of time, someone should be available to check in the with patient ensure their safety. No driving, complicated or important decisions or alcoholic beverages are allowed on the day of the procedure. By the next morning, most patients are able to continue with their daily activities.
To assist our patients, a written explanation of the procedure and its findings, in lay terms, will be given to the patient. Recommendations will be made regarding any further testing, treatments or office visits.
A copy of the endoscopic record is sent to all our referring physicians. Thus, your primary care physician will be aware of your procedure, the results and your gastroenterologist's recommendations.
Globetrotter's Pocket Doc - the only English international medical communication book for travelers to foreign countries
Other Endoscopic Procedures
- Colonoscopy |
ERCP |
Esophageal Manometry |
EGD |
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |
Liver Biopsy
Related Links
- Definitions |
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Patient Education:
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