What are possible complications of ERCP?
ERCP is a well-tolerated procedure when performed by our specially trained and experienced doctors. Although complications requiring hospitalization can occur, they are uncommon. Complications can include pancreatitis (an inflammation or infection of the pancreas), infections, bowel perforation and bleeding. Some patients can have an adverse reaction to the sedative used. Complications are often managed without surgery. Risks vary, depending on why the test is performed, what is found during the procedure, what therapeutic intervention is undertaken and whether the patient has major medical problems. Patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP, such as for stone removal, face a higher risk of complications than patients undergoing diagnostic ERCP. The doctor will discuss your likelihood of complications before you undergo the exam. WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER ERCP? If you have ERCP as an outpatient, you will be observed for complications until most of the effects of the medications have worn off.
What can be expected following ERCP? To the patient: What is an ERCP? top ERCP is a specialized technique used to study the ducts (drainage routes) of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas (the drainage channels from the liver are called bile ducts or biliary ducts). When performed by physicians with special training in this procedure, ERCP can be accomplished in 85-95% of patients. An endoscope (flexible thin tube that allows the physician to see inside the bowel) is passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). After the common opening to ducts from the liver and pancreas is visually identified, a catheter (narrow plastic tube) is passed through the endoscope into the ducts. Contrast material (“dye”) is then injected gently into the ducts (pancreatic or biliary) and x-rays are taken. Why is ERCP done? top ERCP is a valuable tool that is used for diagnosing many diseases of the pancreas, bile ducts, liver, and gallbladder. Struc
ERCP is a well-tolerated procedure when performed by doctors who are specially trained and experienced in the technique. Although complications requiring hospitalization can occur, they are uncommon. Complications can include pancreatitis (an inflammation or infection of the pancreas), infections, bowel perforation and bleeding. Some patients can have an adverse reaction to the sedative used. Sometimes the procedure cannot be completed for technical reasons. Risks vary, depending on why the test is performed, what is found during the procedure, what therapeutic intervention is undertaken, and whether a patient has major medical problems. Patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP, such as for stone removal, face a higher risk of complications than patients undergoing diagnostic ERCP. Your doctor will discuss your likelihood of complications before you undergo the test.
ERCP is a well-tolerated procedure when performed by doctors who are specially trained and experienced in the technique. Although complications requiring hospitalization can occur, they are uncommon. Complications can include pancreatitis (an inflammation or infection of the pancreas), infections, bowel perforation and bleeding. Some patients can have an adverse reaction to the sedative used. Sometimes the procedure cannot be completed for technical reasons. Risks vary, depending on why the test is performed, what is found during the procedure, what therapeutic intervention is undertaken, and whether a patient has major medical problems. Patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP, such as for stone removal, face a higher risk of complications than patients undergoing diagnostic ERCP. Your doctor will discuss your likelihood of complications before you undergo the test. What can I expect after ERCP? If you have ERCP as an outpatient, you will be observed for complications until most of the ef
ERCP is generally a well-tolerated procedure. On rare occasions localized irritation of the vein into which medications were given cause a tender lump that may last several weeks. The application of heat packs or hot, moist towels to the area may ease the discomfort. Major complications requiring hospitalization can occur but are uncommon. They include serious pancreatitis, and even more rarely infections, bowel perforation and bleeding. Another potential risk is an adverse reaction to the sedative used. The risks of the procedure vary with the indications for the test, what is found during the procedure, what therapeutic intervention is undertaken, and the presence of other major medical problems such as heart or lung diseases. Your physician will discuss your likelihood of complications before undergoing the test. If therapeutic ERCP is performed (cutting an opening in the bile duct, stone removal, dilation of a stricture, stent or drain replacement, etc.), the possibility of complic
