ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a method that allows diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in diseases of these regions by imaging the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. The procedure is performed with a long, bendable tube-shaped instrument with a camera and light source at the tip.
ERCP is required in the treatment of some pancreatic and biliary tract diseases. The procedure is performed under anesthesia.
Why is ERCP performed? ERCP is applied as a therapeutic procedure in diseases such as hydatid cyst and hydatid cyst, biliary pancreatitis, oddi sphincter dysfunction, pancreas divisum, biliary tract parasites. With ERCP, stones in the bile ducts are removed by breaking or whole. Stent application can be performed with ERCP in cases of bile duct stenosis and bile leaks.
What preparation is required for ERCP?
Your stomach must be empty for the ERCP procedure. To ensure this, you must not have eaten or drank anything for at least 8 hours. You can take your important medications on the morning of the procedure by talking to your doctor. If you have a serious illness or are allergic to anesthetics or contrast material used in the procedure, you should share it with your doctor. If you are using blood thinning medications, you should share this before the procedure. Since anesthesia will be applied during the procedure, you should not drive after the procedure. You should remove your valuables, glasses, removable dentures and lenses before entering the procedure room.
How is the ERCP procedure performed?
Before the procedure, you will be anesthetized by giving anesthetic substances through the vein. You will be asleep throughout the procedure due to the effect of anesthesia. You will lie face down during the procedure and the endoscopic instrument for ERCP will be swallowed orally. (During the procedure, breathing is not prevented, your own breathing continues). The procedure may take up to 20-60 minutes.
What can be done during the ERCP procedure?
If stones or obstruction are observed in the bile ducts or if the doctor deems it necessary, the area where the bile ducts open to your intestine can be widened. This job The procedure is called sphincterotomy. Additionally, stones in the bile ducts are tried to be removed with a balloon or by breaking them. Stents made of metal or plastic can be placed in the bile ducts to ensure bile flow.
What is done after the ERCP procedure?
After the ERCP procedure, you will be kept under observation until the effect of the anesthetic wears off. You can only eat after the procedure after your doctor approves.
What kind of undesirable effects (complications) can be observed after the ERCP procedure?
After the procedure, abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, Undesirable effects such as bleeding, black stools, inflammation of the bile ducts and gallbladder, inflammation of the pancreas organ, and intestinal perforation may rarely be observed.
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