ERCP For Pancreatic Cancer

After you check in for your endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) -- a procedure that combines the use of a flexible, lighted scope (endoscope) with x-ray pictures to examine the tubes that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas... Full Answer

Other less invasive and less expensive tests, such as a CT scan, MRI scan, or an abdominal ultrasound, may be done before ERCP to evaluate abdominal pain or jaundice. An imaging test, a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatogram (MRCP), can be used to... Full Answer

Reasons you may not be able to have an ERCP or why the results may not be helpful include: Having barium contrast material in the intestines, for example, from a barium enema test. Conditions that affect how blood clots, or taking blood thinning... Full Answer

You may notice a brief, sharp burning or stinging sensation when the IV is started in your arm before an ERCP. The local anesthetic sprayed into your throat usually tastes slightly bitter and will make your tongue and throat feel numb and swollen. Some... Full Answer

Due to the sedation, you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure and should arrange for someone to pick you up. About 5-7% of patients experience pancreatitis after ERCP. While in most cases the pancreatitis is mild, serious... Full Answer

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows the physician to visualize the bile and pancreatic ducts. The study is most often performed when a patient exhibits symptoms of jaundice, which can indicate presence of a mass narrowing... Full Answer