Is ERCP an operation?

No. There are no cuts on the skin. Everything is done from inside the gut through the endoscope, under sedation.

Will I need to stay overnight?

Some people go home after a few hours of observation; others stay overnight, especially if they were unwell before or had a longer procedure. We will tell you what to expect.

Do I still need my gallbladder removed?

Often, yes. ERCP clears stones from the bile duct, but if stones formed in the gallbladder, they can come back. The doctor may advise gallbladder surgery afterwards.

How is ERCP different from MRCP?

MRCP is an MRI scan that shows the ducts without any tube. ERCP goes inside to treat the problem. An MRCP is often done first to plan the ERCP.

What if I have a stent?

Carry your stent details with you and do not miss the follow-up date. A stent left in too long can block and cause fever or jaundice.

Test or procedure

ERCP

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) uses an endoscope and X-rays to reach the bile and pancreatic ducts from inside the gut. It is mainly a treatment: it removes stones and opens blockages that cause jaundice, pain or infection, without an operation.

A procedure suite with X-ray and endoscopy equipment being prepared by the care team.

Duration30–60 minSedationDeep sedation

What it is

Bile made in the liver drains through the bile duct into the duodenum, just past the stomach, through a small opening that it shares with the pancreatic duct. In ERCP, a special side-viewing endoscope is passed through the mouth to this opening. A thin tube is guided into the duct, a dye is injected and X-ray pictures show any stones or narrowing. Dr. Tumma can then widen the opening with a small cut, pull out stones with a tiny balloon or basket, or place a plastic or metal tube (stent) to keep a narrowed duct open.

Why it is done

Stones that have slipped from the gallbladder into the bile duct
Jaundice caused by a blocked bile duct
Infection of the bile duct (cholangitis), which needs urgent drainage
Some types of pancreatitis caused by stones or duct problems
Narrowing of the bile duct from a growth or scarring, to relieve the blockage and take samples
Bile leaks after gallbladder surgery

Before: how to prepare

Nothing to eat for 8 hours before the procedure. We will tell you when to stop water.
You will need blood tests beforehand, usually including liver tests and clotting tests.
Tell us in advance if you take blood thinners, aspirin or diabetes medicines. Do not stop any medicine on your own; we will advise you.
Tell us about any allergies, especially to X-ray dye or iodine, and if you might be pregnant.
Bring all your scan reports (ultrasound, CT, MRCP) and a list of your medicines.
Come with an adult who can stay with you, and bring what you need for a possible overnight stay.

Printable preparation guidePreparing for your upper GI endoscopy. Day-by-day steps, food lists and medicines to ask about.Read more

On the day

Check-in and consent
The doctor explains why the ERCP is needed, what may be done and the risks, and you sign a consent form. A needle is placed in a vein and you may be given antibiotics or other medicines.
Sedation
You lie mostly on your tummy or left side and receive deep sedation. Your breathing, pulse and oxygen are monitored throughout.
Reaching the duct
The endoscope is passed through the mouth to the duodenum, and a thin tube is guided into the bile or pancreatic duct. Dye and X-ray show the problem.
Treatment
Stones are removed, the opening may be widened with a small cut, and a stent may be placed if the duct is narrow.
Observation
You are watched in recovery for a few hours, or overnight if needed, before going home.

After

You may be asked not to eat for a few hours, then start with liquids before light food.
A sore throat, bloating and mild tummy discomfort are common for a day.
Do not drive, operate machinery or sign important documents for the rest of the day, and have an adult with you.
If a stent was placed, keep your follow-up. Plastic stents need to be removed or changed as the doctor advises, usually within a few months.
Come back or go to the nearest emergency straight away if you have severe or worsening tummy pain, fever with shivering, vomiting, black stools or vomiting blood, or yellow eyes getting worse.

Results. Dr. Tumma explains what was found and done once you are awake. If samples were taken from a narrowing, they go to a lab and results usually take a few days.

Risks, explained honestly

Common and mild

Sore throat and bloating for a day
Mild tummy discomfort after the procedure
Drowsiness from the sedation

Rare but serious

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which causes tummy pain and may need a hospital stay; this is the most common serious complication
Bleeding, especially after the opening has been widened
Infection of the bile duct or gallbladder
A tear (perforation) in the duodenum or duct, which is rare but serious and may need surgery
Reactions to sedation or breathing problems, and the stent becoming blocked or moving later

Where it is done

Available at Sun Care and at Kamineni Hospitals. Dr. Tejaswini will advise which suits you, for example when sedation or a hospital stay is needed.

Fees are shared when you book.

Own clinic

Sun Care, BN Reddy Nagar

+91 91217 19187

Hospital

Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar

+91 70362 70362

Locations

Questions patients ask

Used for

Other tests

Upper GI endoscopy10 min
Colonoscopy20–30 min
FibroScan10 min
Endoscopic ultrasound20–45 min
PolypectomyDuring colonoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy10–15 min
Variceal banding & glue15–30 min