ERCP – Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
ERCP for Diagnosing Gallbladder, Biliary System, Pancreas, and Liver Diseases
ERCP is an advanced endoscopic procedure used to diagnose problems in the digestive system, including the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and liver. It combines X-rays with a standard endoscopy process.
When is an ERCP Used?
An ERCP test can be used to:
Evaluate symptoms of pancreatic, liver, gallbladder, or bile duct diseases.
Treat certain conditions, such as removing gallstones or opening blocked bile ducts.
ERCP Procedure at Gandhi Hospital, Aurangabad
Dr. Ashish Gandhi, a gastroenterologist at Gandhi Hospital in Aurangabad, can perform ERCP to diagnose digestive issues. Here's a breakdown of the procedure:
Before the Procedure:
You'll need to discuss any medications you take with Dr. Gandhi beforehand.
You'll likely need to stop eating solid foods about 8 hours before the test and avoid fluids for 1-2 hours beforehand. This ensures the relevant organs are empty during the ERCP.
During the Procedure:
You'll receive sedation to make you drowsy and local anesthesia to numb your throat during the endoscopy tube insertion.
You'll swallow to help move the tube into the duodenum (the first part of your small intestine).
Sometimes, air will be introduced to inflate the area for a better view.
A thin tube will be inserted through the endoscope into the bile duct, and a contrast dye will be injected for clearer X-ray visualization.
In some cases, Dr. Gandhi might take a tissue sample for further analysis.
After the Procedure:
You'll be monitored for a few hours after the procedure until the sedation and anesthesia wear off.
You can then resume your normal diet and continue any medications you take regularly.
Dr. Gandhi will discuss the results of your ERCP with you.
ERCP Complications and Risks
While uncommon, ERCP does carry some potential risks, which Dr. Gandhi will discuss with you before the procedure. These include:
Pancreatitis: The contrast dye might irritate the pancreatic duct.
Bleeding: This is more likely if a stone is removed during the procedure.
Dr. Gandhi is experienced in managing any complications that may arise after ERCP.