You have had your bile ducts and/or pancreatic ducts examined using an endoscopic technique and x-rays. The nurse or doctor will have explained to you exactly what has been examined and if any treatment has been undertaken.
You have had sedation today; it is essential that someone accompanies you home and stays with you for the next 24 hours.
You should not drive a car, operate machinery, drink alcohol, sign any legally binding documents or look after small children for 24 hours.
Unless otherwise instructed by the doctor, you may resume your normal diet.
You may resume your normal prescription medicines unless otherwise advised on discharge.
There may be some slight soreness behind the breastbone where the instrument has been but this will wear off over the rest of the day.
Some bloating may be experienced if air has remained in your gastrointestinal tract (stomach and/or bowel). This is not something to worry about, it will resolve itself naturally over the next few hours. However, if it causes gripe, having a hot drink or taking some peppermint water/tea and walking around might help to provide some relief.
ERCP brings a risk of Pancreatitis. This is inflammation of the pancreas. This may be mild and involves mild pain but in a small number of cases (5/100) may present as severe pain which requires a hospital admission for several days until the problem resolves.
Major Side Effects to look out for
These side effects are extremely rare but we need to make you aware of symptoms to look out for. Things to report to your doctor:
- Mild Fever;
- Redness, tenderness and swelling around the IV cannula site (through which injections were given) that persists for more than 48 hours.
Attend Accident and Emergency department if you feel really unwell and have the following symptoms:
- Severe pain, nausea or vomiting
- Vomiting of Blood
- Passing Black Tarry Stools
- Temperature greater than 100°F / 38 °C
- Weakness or dizziness
- If you have had a stent inserted and you find that after sometime your urine becomes darker, you develop a temperature, have tummy/back pain or feel unwell it is possible that your stent may have blocked. You should then seek medical attention.
- If you have had a cut made (Sphincterotomy) or dilatation (sphincteroplasty) and you notice black stools, vomiting of blood, or fresh blood passing from your back passage or tummy/back pain you must visit the Accident & Emergency Department.
Please bring your ERCP report with you to Accident and Emergency department
Air Travel
If you have had a diagnostic procedure, you would be advised not to fly for 48 hours after your procedure.
If you have undergone a therapeutic procedure, you should not undertake any air travel for 2 weeks after your procedure.
You will be advised on discharge which procedure you have had.
Further Information and Advice
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for medical advice
L & D Hospital Endoscopy Unit:
Monday – Saturday 08:00-18:00hrs
07815178199 (number available for non-emergency calls 24/7)
FOLLOWING THIS PROCEDURE YOU MUST NOT DONATE BLOOD FOR 4 – 6 MONTHS
The reason for this is that your ability to donate blood in the future is dependent upon your diagnosis and the possibility that you might need to undergo further investigations or complete treatments (British Society of Gastroenterology, 2019).