Ercp

[num1habsfan]

I'm waiting to hear back when I go for an ERCP, which my specialist said should be in about a month.

The reason he wants to do one is to look thoroughly at the gallbladder (since I'm still getting attacks, but have no stones). Also, what concerns me, is that my MRI (for the gallbladder) showed that I have some cysts on my liver

Should I be concerned about the risks? Like the 5% chance of pancreatitis, or the 1 in 1000 chance of them piercing my intestines?

Has anyone else had one of these scopes done?

[Roda]

I have never had an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) but I have assisted with x-rays during the procedure. Have you ever had an EGD? They sedate you like they do for the EGD and use and endoscope that goes down your throat into your stomach and into the first part of the small bowel the duodemum. There is an opening in the scope that allowes the doctor to insert catheters and other instruments into the area. The doctor may have to give some medications into your iv to help relax the contractions of the bowel so they can cannulate the pancreatic and bile ducts through the opening in the small intestine (ampula of vater). They inject contrast into the ducts to check for any blockage etc. We verify position with the c-arm (an x-ray machine) and take images while they inject the contrast. They can also put stents in if there is a blockage to allow the ducts to drain. They can also remove stones if there are any with a catheter with a "basket" on the end that opens and closes to grasp them. It can be done with you laying on your back, but most of the time you are half way laying on your stomach in a right anterior oblique position. I suspect the risks would be anethesia problems, perforation, infection, bleeding, and contrast reaction. The potential for these are very low. But with any procedure you have to weight the risks vs. benefits for you. Most people tolerate the procedure just fine as you probably will too.

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Disclaimer: I am not giving medical advice. Please check with your doctor for the most accurate and updated information.