ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
A diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for biliary and pancreatic duct diseases.
What is it?
ERCP uses a thin, flexible camera and X-ray to diagnose and treat problems in the bile or pancreatic ducts. It helps doctors remove stones, insert stents, or take tissue samples.
Why is it done?
- Gallstones blocking bile ducts
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Bile duct or pancreatic tumors
- Infections or narrowing of ducts
Duration & Recovery Time
- Procedure duration: 45–60 minutes
- Recovery time: About 1–2 hours observation; usually home same day
Before Your Procedure
- Diet: Do not eat or drink for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure
- Continue medications only if advised by your doctor
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, take diabetes medications, have heart/lung conditions, or take blood thinners
- Arrange for someone to accompany you home
After Your Procedure
- Diet: Start with sips of water after throat numbness wears off. Then move to soft foods like soup, porridge, khichdi. Avoid spicy, oily, or hot food for 24 hours.
- Rest & Activity: Rest for the day. Do not drive, consume alcohol, or make important decisions for 24 hours if sedated.
- Medications: Resume your regular medications unless advised otherwise.
- Hygiene: No wound care is needed.
- Follow-up: Attend all follow-up visits. Biopsy results (if taken) may take a few days.
Complications may include
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Bleeding or infection
- Allergic reaction to sedation or dye
- Very rare risk of a tear (perforation)
See your doctor immediately if you have:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Increased yellowing of skin or eyes
Not Suitable For (Tell Your Doctor If…)
- You are pregnant
- Have severe lung or heart disease
- Are allergic to iodine contrast
- Have difficulty swallowing
⚠ Note: Dates are not fixed in advance. Please check this page regularly for upcoming workshop announcements.
ERCP Procedure List
- SPYGLASS – EHL
- SPY BITE BX
- SPY GLASS GUIDED MIGRATED STENT REMOVED
- BILLIARY AND PANCREATIC STENTING
- AMPULLECTOMY
- BILL/ SEMS
- BILLIARY CYTOLOFY
- MIGRATED STENT REMOVAL
- BILLIARY AND PANCREATIC STONE REMOVAL
- BILLIARY AND PANCREATIC STRICTURE DILATATION
- PTC GUIDED SPY GLASS
- RFA
Patient Frequently Asked Questions
You may receive sedation and throat spray to help you relax.
You might feel bloated afterward, but you will not feel pain during the procedure.
Yes, start with light soft foods when recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor may share immediate findings; biopsy/cytology results may take a few days.
Yes, ERCP is safe when done by experts, though some risks exist.
