Ercp: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

ERCP is a procedure used to examine the tubes that drain the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. Other diagnostic tests like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI cannot provide the kind of information that ERCP does. A flexible, lighted scope (endoscope) is used to produce x ray pictures.

Ercp treatment is generally used to remove or crush gallstones, open the entry of ducts into bowel, take tissue samples, drain blocked areas, check persistent abdominal pains or jaundice and stretch out narrow segments.

First of all, a medication will be given to relax or sedate you. A mouth guard will be attached in your mouth to protect your teeth. Your throat will be numbed by spraying a medication. After the sedative take effect, you will be asked to lie down on your left side and an intravenous line will be placed in your arm.

An endoscope will then be inserted in your mouth. You should not feel any pain or discomfort. Neither should you have too much memory of this procedure. The ducts that lead to the pancreas and gallbladder will be inserted with a thin tube, which is passed through the endoscope.

The thin tube has a light and a camera at the end. X rays are taken by some special dyes that will be injected in these ducts. You may have to stay for 1-2 hours in the hospital until the effect of sedative wears off.

If your doctor is not able to identify your problem with other diagnostic tests like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI; he may ask you to go for ERCP. Also, ERCP will be used if your doctor needs to see detailed images of the tubes that drain the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

Most troubles can be diagnosed using other diagnostic tests like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. There is no need to go for ERCP.

You may have sore throat for a few days. You may also experience some bloating or gas for about 24 hours after procedure. The drugs provided during the treatment may have adverse effects due to which you may have to stay in the hospital for longer. Do not worry; the effects will wear off soon.

You should not drive immediately after the test. Ask someone to drive you home. Avoid lifting heavy weights for about 48 hours after the procedure. Consuming acetaminophen or using a heating pad will help in relieving the pain. Make sure that you drink fluids and have light meals after the treatment.

You may feel slight discomfort for 24-48 hours. You can resume your daily routine soon after the procedure while taking a few precautions.

The cost of ERCP is between ₹15000 and ₹35000 depending on the area that is to be examined.

The results of this diagnostic test are permanent and can be treated accordingly.

There are no alternatives to this treatment.