What Is ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)?
ERCP or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography is a method that mixes the X-rays and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy in order to treat the issue of pancreatic ducts and bile.
What Are Bile And Pancreatic Ducts?
Bile ducts are basically a tube that carries bile from your liver to your duodenum and gallbladder. The primary function is that the small pancreatic ducts empty into the main pancreatic duct. Also, the common bile duct and the duct of the main pancreatic join together before they empty into the duodenum.
Reasons Why Doctors Use ERCP?
The main reason why the best gastro doctor in Ludhiana uses ERCP is to treat the issue related to pancreatic ducts and bile. Apart from that, the professional also uses ERCP to diagnose the concerns of bile and pancreatic ducts if they expect to cure the issue at the time of the procedure.
In the case of only diagnosing the issue, the doctor generally uses non-invasive tests instead of ERCP. They are those examinations that do not physically enter the body.
Some of the non-invasive tests that are safe and can also diagnose the problem of pancreatic ducts and bile without any complication are magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). It is basically a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Doctors perform ERCPs because of the blocking and narrowing of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Common Reason For The Blocking And Narrowing Of Pancreatic And Bile Duct
- The formation of gallstones in your gallbladder becomes stuck in the common bile duct.
- Chronic pancreatitis.
- Acute pancreatitis.
- Having surgical or trauma complications in the pancreatic and bile ducts.
- Pancreatic pseudocysts.
- Tumors or cancer of the pancreas.
- Tumor and cancer of bile ducts.
Talking To Your Doctor Is The Key
It is necessary for you to discuss your allergies and medical conditions beforehand. You should also show all the prescribed over-the-counter medicines that you are taking, including vitamins, and other supplements such as:
- Arthritis medicines
- Blood pressure medicines
- Blood thinners medications
- Diabetes medicines
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and naproxen.
Apart from that, your doctor might also ask you to stop taking certain medicines, such as those that affect the interaction with sedatives and blood clotting temporarily. Additionally, the doctor will also prescribe you some sedatives at the time of ERCP treatment to help you relax a little and stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
You must also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or not. If you are pregnant and have to undergo ERCP treatment to treat the condition, the doctor might conduct the whole procedure with some minor or major changes best suited for the patient’s comfort. They would also protect the fetus from the X-rays.
According to much research, we have established that ERCP is generally safer during pregnancy.
