Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which doctor should I consult for ERCP?You should consult a gastroenterologist, who specializes in diseases of the gut.
2. What is cholangiopancreatography?
It is a procedure that enables the doctor to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts.
3. How long does it take to perform the ERCP?
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
4. How can ERCP cause acute pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis can arise due to mechanical injury to the pancreatic duct from the instrumentation. It can also arise from hydrostatic injury from over-injection of contrast dye into the pancreatic duct during diagnostic ERCP and sphincter of Oddi manometry.
5. Is ERCP a painful procedure?
Since an endoscope is inserted through the mouth in this procedure, it may be an uncomfortable procedure, but not painful.
6. Could the ERCP procedure have to be repeated again?
This depends on the reason for the ERCP, the findings, and if it was possible to complete the procedure. If stones were removed, the procedure may have to be repeated to check that the ducts are not obstructed. Also, if a stent was inserted into the duct, ERCP would have to be repeated in the future to remove or replace the stent.
