ERCP

ERCP Treatment & Diagnostics in Chunni Ganj, Kanpur

ERCP or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography

ERCP is a procedure that is used to diagnose diseases that may occur in the liver, gallbladder, biliary system, and liver. It can also be used to treat problems occurring in these parts of the digestive system.

ERCP tests are performed by gastroenterologists, a doctor who specializes in treating gastrointestinal diseases. Certain important information that cannot be obtained through other diagnostic tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, can be obtained through ERCP tests.

What is the procedure of ERCP?

Any procedures in an ERCP test are performed under the administration of local anesthesia or intravenous sedation that may lead to the patient falling asleep during the examination. A guard is placed in the mouth to protect one’s teeth.

During an ERC test, a gastroenterologist uses a special endoscope known as duodenoscope which is a long, flexible tube with a light and camera at its end. It is inserted through the mouth to examine the inside of the digestive system.

Once the place where the bile duct enters into the small intestine is identified, a small plastic catheter is passed through an open channel of the endoscope into the duct and a contrast agent or dye is injected while X-rays of the bile ducts and pancreatic duct are taken.

Once the problem is diagnosed and its source is identified, the doctor may then treat it by performing one of the following procedures:

• Sphincterotomy: In this procedure, a small incision is made in the opening of the pancreatic duct or the bile duct, to help drain small gallstones, bile, and pancreatic juice appropriately.
• Stent Placement: In this process, a drainage tube known as a stent is placed in the bile duct or the pancreatic duct to hold the duct open and allow it to drain.
• Gallstone(s) Removal: Gallstones from the gallbladder cannot be removed through ERCP but if gallstones are present in the bile duct, ERCP can remove them.

What are the benefits of getting an ERCP test at Apollo Spectra, Kanpur?

An ERCP test is more beneficial compared to other diagnostic tests as it:

• Allows treatment of obstruction of the bile duct
• Provides detailed and accurate visualization of the bile ducts.
• Provides a less invasive procedure than open surgery
• Allows accurate investigation of problems originating in the digestion system

Risk and Complications

Although ERCP is a low-risk procedure, certain complications may occur after one undergoes the test, these may include:

• Pancreatitis
• Infections
• Bowel perforation
• Bleeding
• Risk of anesthesia
• Side effects of medication
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fever and chills
• Blood in stool
• Darkening of stool
• Continuous coughing
• Vomiting blood

Immediately contact your doctor and seek medical help in case of persistent symptoms within 72 hours after the ERCP procedure.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

Who is the right candidate?

There are certain factors like medical history to consider before undergoing an ERCP test which helps determine if it is recommended for you. Medical conditions that the doctor should be informed about before the test include:

• Pregnancy
• Heart conditions
• Lung diseases
• Allergies

Other factors include the consumption of blood thinners like aspirin, or other medicines like insulin, antacids, etc. Also, let your doctor know in case you went through a CT scan or X-ray in the preceding 2-3 days.