ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatogram)
This webpage will give you information about an ERCP. If
you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is an ERCP?
An ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatogram) is a
procedure to look for any problems in your bile duct or pancreatic
duct using a flexible telescope and x-ray dye.
Gallstones in the bile duct or a narrowing of the bile duct are
common problems, both of which can cause jaundice (the skin turning
yellow in colour). If the endoscopist (the person doing the ERCP)
finds a problem, they may be able to treat it during the
procedure.
Are there any alternatives to an ERCP?
There are other ways of looking at the bile duct, such as a scan
called an MRCP, or a technique called endoscopic ultrasound. If you
have a problem in your bile duct, an operation may be an
alternative to an ERCP.
What does the procedure involve?
The endoscopist will give you a sedative to help you relax.
An ERCP involves placing a flexible telescope (endoscope) into
the back of your throat and down into your stomach. From here the
endoscope will pass on into your duodenum.
The endoscope is then positioned to look at the papilla (see
figure 1).
Figure 1: The bile duct system and pancreatic duct
A fine tube is placed through the endoscope and into the bile
duct or pancreatic duct through the papilla. X-ray dye is injected
into the ducts and x-ray pictures are taken that show the
ducts.
If there are gallstones in the bile duct, they can usually be
removed.
The endoscopist can insert a tube called a stent to relieve
jaundice caused by large gallstones or by a narrowing of the bile
duct.
What complications can happen?
- Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis)
- Making a hole in the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
- Bleeding
- Damage to teeth or bridgework
- Allergic reaction
- Breathing difficulties or heart irregularities
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Incomplete procedure
How soon will I recover?
If you were given sedation, you will normally recover in about
an hour. You may feel a bit bloated for a few hours but this will
pass.
You may be able to go home the same day.
A member of the team will tell you what was found during the
ERCP and will discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you
need.
You should be able to go back to work two days after the
ERCP.
Summary
An ERCP is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if
you have a problem with your bile duct or pancreatic duct and
treating your symptoms.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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You may not copy, print out, download or
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The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital