ERCP is a procedure that uses X-rays and endoscopy to diagnose and treat problems in the pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, and liver. A gastroenterologist performs ERCP to examine and treat issues like cancer, stones, strictures in the bile ducts, gallstones, pancreatitis, and cysts. Before the procedure, patients are asked to fast for 6 hours and inform doctors of any medications or allergies. After ERCP, patients may experience throat irritation, nausea, or bloating as the endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the duodenum.

1. ERCP
Endoscopic Retrograde
Cholangiopancreatography

2. What is ERCP?
ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography) is a
procedure that uses a
combination of X-rays and an
endoscope to diagnose and treat
abnormalities in the pancreas, bile
ducts, gallbladder and liver.
ERCP procedure is performed by
the Gastroenterologist (doctors
who specialize in gastrointestinal
disorders).

3. Why do Gastroenterologist
uses ERCP Procedure?
Gastroenterologist uses ERCP to
diagnose and treat problems that affects
• Bile ducts, including cancer, stones
and strictures.
• Gallbladder,
including gallstones and cholecystitis
(inflamed gallbladder).
• Pancreas,
including pancreatitis (inflamed,
swollen pancreas), pancreatic
cancer and pancreatic cysts and
pseudocysts.

4. What to Expect before the
ERCP Procedure
Before the ERCP procedure you doctor may ask you to
take certain step to follow, that may includes:
• Don’t eat, drink or smoke for at least six hours before the
procedure.
• You need to inform if you have any allergies, specially allergic
reactions to intravenous (IV) contrast dyes
• You need to inform the doctors about your ongoing medications
& supplement
• Inform your doctors if you are pregnant
• Stop using blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and
warfarin.

5. What to Expect after the
ERCP Procedure
Since this procedure requires the
insertion of endoscope through
throat to esophagus and stomach
to reach the upper part of the
small intestine (duodenum) to
diagnose the affected organs,
because of the procedure you
may come across following
uneasiness
• It may irritate the throat after the
procedure, which may require
you to eat soft foods for few days
• You may experience bloating and
nausea