Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Ocean Springs, MS

Our team will ask you to enter the Ocean Springs, MS endoscopy center 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your assessment. This will give you ample time to fill out patient forms and prepare for the exam. You will be asked to put on a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm so that sedation can be provided. We will also be connected to equipment allowing the provider and our team to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, oxygen, breathing, and electrocardiogram levels throughout and after the test.

Once in the exam room, you will lie down on your abdomen on the bed. The IV sedation will be started. A small amount will be provided at a time to help ensure that you do not have a reaction to the sedative solution and to administer only the personalized dosage you require. Unlike other types of endoscopic exams, it is not unusual for general anesthesia to be used for an ERCP exam. After the appropriate level of sedation is reached, the endoscope will be placed into the mouth. The flexible device will be carefully advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to the position where the bile duct and pancreatic duct empty into the small bowel. A small portion of air is administered via the scope into the gastrointestinal (GI) system to enhance visibility. During the ERCP procedure, an iodine-based contrast dye is injected into the biliary duct and pancreatic duct. A radiographic (x-ray) imaging machine is utilized to capture clear pictures of the biliary and pancreatic ducts to identify whether there are any abnormalities or concerns. Residual liquid in the upper digestive tract can be withdrawn via the scope. Depending on any findings, several things can be carried out during the evaluation, including tissue extraction for a biopsy, stent placement (metal/plastic tubes) into the bile or pancreatic ducts, sphincterotomy (opening the bile or pancreatic duct), and the removal of gallstones from the bile ducts or stones from the pancreatic ducts. When the ERCP is complete, as much of the remaining fluid and air as possible will be withdrawn through the endoscope device. The procedure generally takes approximately 30 – 90 minutes, depending on the findings.

When the exam has concluded, you will be taken to the recovery area to be assessed while the sedative effects begin to subside. The extent of sedation utilized during the exam and how your body responds to the medication will dictate how soon you awaken; however, most individuals are awake enough to be released within 45 – 60 minutes. You cannot drive for the remainder of the day and should, therefore, arrange for a ride home in advance. You will also be advised not to perform strenuous activities, work, or sign important documents for the rest of the day. Most individuals can resume eating and drinking as usual after discharge from the endoscopy unit, although important instructions regarding activity, eating, and medications will be administered before discharge. Occasionally, ERCP patients might need an overnight hospital stay for monitoring or evaluation.

After the ERCP procedure, the provider and/or clinical staff will review the evaluation findings with you. Most patients do not recall what they are told following the ERCP assessment because of the effects of the sedation. Our Digestive Health Center staff highly recommends you have someone with you with whom the results can also be discussed, if possible. You will also be discharged with a typed synopsis and typically advised of any biopsy or other test results within a week.