Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows the doctor to view the common bile duct to help locate and treat blockage in the duct. It may also be used to locate pancreas problems.
Preparation
- Avoid blood thinning medication for one week before ERCP
- You may be asked to take antibiotics ahead of time
- Do not eat or drink for 8 - 12 hours before ERCP or as instructed by your doctor
- Arrange for an adult to take you home
Procedure
- ERCP takes from 20 to 90 minutes
- You will be given sedation through an IV
- A thin tube (endoscope) is placed into your throat. The endoscope lets the doctor see the common bile duct on the video screen
- Contrast dye is injected through a catheter to make the duct show up better on the Xrays.