If you are a diabetic, using tablets or insulin, or
If you are on anti-coagulants for example warfarin, or other blood thinning medicines, such as aspirin or clopidogrel,
then please call us on 020 8321 2585 as soon as you receive your appointment date and talk to one of the nurses.
On the day of the procedure….
Please report to the receptionist in the Endoscopy Unit. One of the nursing team will escort you to the ward area and ask you some questions about your general health and medication. Please note that waiting room space for relatives is limited and that children and infants are NOT allowed in the Unit. You may find that you have to wait a while before it is your turn to have the examination, so feel free to bring a book or a newspaper.
Signing consent
The doctor and/or nurse will explain the procedure and answer your questions. Please tell them if you have had any other endoscopy examinations, or any allergies or bad reactions to medications or dye. The doctor will ask you to sign the consent form
Risks
Although the majority of procedures are performed without any complication, the risks associated with ERCP when treatments are performed include adverse reactions to medication, perforation (tear) of the intestine (0.2%), and bleeding (3%). Injection of dye through the endoscope can cause allergic reactions, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis – 5%) and of the bile duct (cholangitis – 1%). These complications are very rare, but may require urgent treatment, or even an operation.
During the ERCP
The examination is performed on the X-ray table. You will be given medication by injection through a vein to make you sleepy and relaxed. A guard will be placed to protect your teeth. You will be asked to lie on your left side with your left arm behind you so we can roll you onto your stomach once the procedure starts. While in this position the doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth and down your throat. The endoscope will not interfere with your breathing. Some patients feel bloated or vaguely uncomfortable as a result of the air introduced through the telescope but most are able to tolerate the procedure without too much difficulty. The examination usually takes 20-40 minutes.
After the ERCP
Afterwards your throat may feel slightly sore. You will be monitored in the recovery area for at least 2 hours and you should not attempt to take anything by mouth for at least 1 hour. It is wise to keep to clear liquids for the remainder of the day. Some patients, particularly those having their first ERCP, may require admission for overnight observation on a ward. You may wish to plan for this, for example, by bringing an overnight bag.
Most patients are discharged home following the procedure and therefore you must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you from the Endoscopy unit afterwards and look after you for the rest of the day. Please tell your escort to ring and ask for your discharge time on 020 8321 2585. You must inform us in advance if this is not possible. Your appointment may be cancelled if these arrangements have not been made.
As you will have received sedation you should not drive, ride a bicycle, operate machinery, sign any legal documents, take sedatives or alcohol for 24 hours after the test.
If you have any questions regarding your ERCP appointment do not hesitate to contact the Endoscopy Unit administration team on 020 8321 5752.
If you have any queries or questions about the procedure please contact the Endoscopy Unit nursing staff on 020 8321 2585 between the hours of 08.30 and 16.30 Monday to Friday. At other times and in case of emergency please call the main Hospital switchboard 020 8560 2121 and ask to be put through to the Gastroenterologist on duty.
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