ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is a valuable exam for diagnosing – and sometimes treating – disorders of the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. It is an excellent way to determine what is wrong, cancerous or not, and it provides a minimally invasive way to biopsy suspicious disorders.

Here at the Minnesota Pancreas and Liver Center, our endoscopy facilities are the best in the country, featuring all state-of-the-art equipment. Our endoscopy specialists have trained other physicians throughout the country in complex endoscopy. Performing ERCP under anesthesia allows us to be safe and efficient.

The procedure
Using both x-rays and a thin, flexible, lighted tube (endoscope), we can see inside the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. The endoscope is put through the mouth and throat into the stomach. A sample of tissue may be removed for tests. You will receive anesthesia for this exam, and the back of your throat will be numbed.

An ERCP usually takes 30-90 minutes. After the procedure, you will be here for three to four hours while you wake up from the anesthesia. You will be able to drink only clear liquids – but not carbonated beverages – for the next 24 hours. You will not be able to drive, operate heavy machinery, make important decisions or do activities that require coordination or balance for 24  hours.

Preparing for the exam
You cannot drive yourself home after the ERCP, so arrange for someone to come with you or pick you up afterward. Also:

• Call the nurse if you are taking blood-thinning medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, (Motrin, Advil), Aleve, Coumadin or Persnatin, lovenox or heparin.
• If you are diabetic, ask your doctor how much medicine, if any, you should take on the day of the exam. You may need to stop taking your medicine.
• Your stomach must be empty during the study. Do not eat or drink after 11:30 p.m. the night before and until the study is done.
• If you are on heart or blood pressure medicines, take them with ½ glass of water.
• You may be given antibiotics the night before.

Once your ERCP is scheduled, you will be provided with additional information. This includes more on planning for the procedure, what happens during the ERCP and  follow-up information.