Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Texas

ERCP, in general, is regarded as a very safe examination method. The majority of complications that may occur are not life-threatening, However, in the event a complication arises, it may require the need for surgery and hospitalization. Before beginning the procedure, a consent to treat form will be reviewed and discussed with the patient by the nursing team. Treatment risks will once again be explained by the doctor before the ERCP procedure gets underway, and any concerns or questions can be addressed.

A condition known as acute pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is the most common complication. This condition may develop in 5 – 8% of individuals, but depending on the patient, the risk can be as high as 20%. Pancreatitis signs and symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdominal area, and fever. Most cases of pancreatitis are mild and require hospitalization for four days or less. During the hospital stay, patients commonly only require pain and nausea control along with IV fluids. A small percentage of the time, however, pancreatitis can be more severe and life-threatening.

Medication reactions related to the sedative can occur. These reactions can include but are not limited to, irritation of the blood vessel used for the IV, effects on the heart and blood pressure, allergic reactions, and breathing difficulties. Bleeding may also occur as a result of a sphincterotomy or biopsy. Major bleeding, like that which might necessitate a hospital visit or a blood transfusion, is not common.

Perforation or piercing of the small intestine, stomach, or esophagus can occur. Such an occurrence might not be identified at the time of the ERCP procedure, or it might not be evident until later in the day. In most cases, a puncture of this type will lead to hospitalization and surgery. It is important to note that this is a highly uncommon complication, even when a biopsy or sphincterotomy is performed.

For 5 – 10 percent of people, the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography assessment might not be able to be completed for several reasons. It is extremely critical that the patient reach out to the doctor’s office immediately should any type of symptoms occur following the test, such as bleeding, fever, or increasing abdominal pain.

Similar to any other test, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not without flaws. There is a minor, accepted risk that diseases, including malignancies, may go undetected at the time of the procedure. It is critical to regularly visit your medical practitioners as instructed and let them know of any new or ongoing symptoms or concerns.

Should you find yourself needing an ERCP in Texas, our gastroenterologists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants can help you determine the optimal approach for you.

To some extent, any alternatives to the ERCP procedure will be based on the underlying reason for needing the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to begin with. For the majority of patients, the ERCP process is the top approach to assess and address certain issues in the pancreatic and biliary structures. However, an x-ray referred to as a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC), echo-endoscopy or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can also assess the biliary ducts and pancreatic ducts. Please note that a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is only a diagnostic exam. Treatment of abnormalities will involve an ERCP or a surgical procedure. In addition, EUS or PTC do have treatment alternatives. Your provider at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants will work with you to decide the best way to proceed with your specific needs.