How to Prepare for an E.R.P.C Examination
When visiting the doctor and learning that an additional examination using the E.R.C.P method is required, which is unfamiliar, it can sometimes cause confusion about what disease you actually have and what this examination is meant to check. While the doctor explains the preparation details clearly, once outside the room, patients often feel confused and wonder how to prepare.
Get to know the procedure for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (E.R.C.P). This procedure involves using an endoscope inserted through the mouth, passing through the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to the opening of the bile duct in the small intestine. A contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images are taken.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (E.R.C.P) can detect abnormalities in the bile ducts and pancreas, treat blockages in the bile or pancreatic ducts by placing drainage tubes for bile or pancreatic juice, and remove stones in the bile ducts. In cases where stones are present in both the gallbladder and bile ducts, after endoscopic stone removal or extraction from the bile ducts, further treatment is required.
In most cases, when indicated, doctors recommend E.R.P.C endoscopy for these conditions
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) suspected to be caused by bile duct obstruction
- Stones in the bile ducts
- Pancreatitis caused by stones in the bile ducts
- Tumors of the bile ducts or pancreas
- Obstruction of the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts
- Leakage of the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts
Preparation before the endoscopy
- Maintain good health and avoid taking blood-thinning medications 7 days before the endoscopy
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before the examination
- Bring a relative with you on the day of the examination
- Inform the doctor about any underlying diseases and allergy history
During the endoscopy
The doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the throat by gargling and spraying, and administer anti-anxiety medication through an IV drip, which will make the patient drowsy. The patient will lie on their side. The doctor will place a short plastic tube in the mouth to protect the endoscope from being bitten. The endoscope is then inserted through the plastic tube into the mouth, passing through the esophagus, stomach, and to the opening of the bile duct in the small intestine. Contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images are taken. If abnormalities such as stones are found, the stones will be removed. If there is an obstruction in the bile or pancreatic ducts, a drainage tube will be placed.
Post-E.R.P.C endoscopy care
After the endoscopy, the patient must rest in the hospital for at least 24 hours, fasting from food and water to monitor for any abnormal symptoms. A sore throat may occur; avoid hot foods and consume soft, mild-flavored foods for about 2-3 days. Some bloating may occur but will gradually improve.
Dr. Sirinthip Sridemma
Head of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Disease Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
