Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

At The London Clinic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a same-day procedure that normally takes between thirty and sixty minutes while you are asleep and under pain relief.

Your gastroenterologist begins by gently placing a very thin, camera-tipped flexible tube, called an endoscope into the bile ducts (tubes) of your pancreas and gallbladder via your mouth.

First, your gastroenterologist inserts a tiny balloon into the opening of your common bile duct to widen it. They may need to make a tiny cut (sphincterotomy) to the muscle to ensure the camera can pass safely. 

They then squirt a tiny amount of dye through the endoscope so an image of the common duct (cholangiogram) and pancreas duct (pancreatogram) can be taken by X-ray.

The camera that is used to perform the ERCP also allows other procedures to take place if needed.

If stones are present your gastroenterologist can insert a tiny electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) probe through the opening to painlessly break them up. They then carefully remove the fragments.

If there is narrowing (stenosis) then your consultant can place a thin tube (stent) to allow the bile and pancreatic juices to flow as normal.

Your specialist may take a tiny tissue sample (biopsy) for analysis which is completely painless.

After the procedure, your care team will take you to the recovery suite, so they can safely monitor you while you come round from the sedation. 

You may feel drowsy for up to twenty four hours after the procedure so you must not drive or operate machinery. 

One of your care team can arrange a taxi if you need transportation home.

Because an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a minimally invasive procedure you should recover fairly quickly.  

Most people find they can eat normally and experience normal bowel movements soon after the procedure. 

Your care team will advise you if you need to follow a special diet or minimise particular foods like fats for a time. 

For the first twenty four hours you must not drive or operate machinery.

You should be able to go back to work and carry on with normal activities after a few days. 

The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure allows your gastroenterologist to diagnose bile duct disease safely and effectively.

It’s a minimally invasive procedure which can also allow the removal of blockages and allow the bile to flow more easily. 

If you have inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or gallbladder (cholecystitis) it can help ease discomfort.

The procedure under anaesthetic is fairly pain-free, but you may have a sore throat and slight abdominal cramping for a couple of days afterwards. 

Your care team will support you with painkillers and will be there to help after your procedure.

A small number of patients (one in fifty) can experience a reaction to the procedure. 

This can include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and common bile duct (cholangitis).

Inflammation causes severe abdominal pain and if it happens you will need to contact your care team straight away.

If a cut is made to your sphincter (sphincterotomy) to widen it during the procedure, you have a slight chance of abnormal bleeding and infection. 

If you notice blood in your stool or develop a fever afterwards, you should let your care team know as soon as possible.

Your endoscopy care team at The London Clinic are highly trained and will work as one to ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible. 

At The London Clinic, the gastroenterologists who perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are highly experienced, giving you the best outcome possible. 

During your same day procedure, your dedicated care team will look after you and make sure you have everything you need.

Your endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure will take place in one of our private state-of-the-art endoscopy theatres near Harley Street.

To make you feel more comfortable while you’re with us, we offer extra touches like a concierge service.

Once you’re ready to leave The London Clinic, we’ll give you advice to follow to make sure you recover safely at home.