- 25/July/2019
ERCP - Dept Of Clinical Imaging & Radiology - Ananthapuri Hospitals
ERCP is a common test prescribed by many gastroenterologists. Here at Ananthapuri Hospitals, we have noticed that a lot of people are very apprehensive about an ERCP test because it is not as common as a normal X-ray or an ultrasound!
Here are a few frequently asked questions about ERCP for you to get a clearer picture.
WHAT IS ERCP?
ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography. It is a diagnostic test to examine the conditions of the liver, bile ducts, pancreas or gallbladder.
During an ERCP test, your doctor puts a tube called an endoscope down your throat to take x-rays of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. The endoscope is then gradually withdrawn.
WHY DID MY DOCTOR ASK ME TO DO AN ERCP?
Your doctor may ask you to do an ERCP for a variety of reasons:
- If there is anything abnormal in your liver test results
- If there is an inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
- To check if there is a blockage in your bile ducts
- To understand the stage of a tumour
WON’T IT BE UNCOMFORTABLE TO PUT THE ENDOSCOPE THROUGH MY THROAT?
There is no need to worry. ERCP is usually done after sedation, which will make you very drowsy. You may gag slightly, but thatis completely normal. Your doctor sprays a local anaesthetic around your throat to decrease the gag reflex.
Your oxygen levels, heart rate and breathing rate are monitored throughout the test.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN ERCP?
An ERCP test takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR AN ERCP?
During the ERCP, your stomach and small bowel should be empty.
So before the test, you can't eat for 6 to 8 hours. You may drink sips of water, but only up to 2 hours before the procedure.
Ananthapuri Hospital’s department of Clinical Imaging & Radiology provides high-standard medical diagnostic images and detailed reports. To do an ERCP test in Thiruvananthapuram, call us at +91 9400332777 or visit our hospital at Chacka, NH Bypass.