Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Denver, CO

Our staff will ask you to arrive at the endoscopy center in Denver, CO, 1 – 1.5 hours before your evaluation. This allows time to fill out patient forms and prepare for the evaluation. You will then need to change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm so that sedation can start. Special equipment will also be used to permit the provider and our team to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen levels throughout and after the ERCP.

After entering the treatment room, you will lie on your stomach on the stretcher. Our GI specialists will then start the sedation solution. A small amount will be administered at a time to help ensure that you do not react to the sedative solution and to provide only the dosage you require. In comparison with other endoscopic evaluations, it is not uncommon for general anesthesia to be performed for an ERCP procedure. Once the necessary sedation level is established, the endoscope will be placed into the mouth. The endoscope will be gently moved through the esophagus and down into the stomach and small intestine where the pancreatic and bile duct empties into the small bowel. A small portion of air is administered via the scope into the digestive system to increase visibility. In an ERCP, an iodine-based contrast dye is introduced into the biliary duct and pancreatic duct. An x-ray imaging machine is utilized to take images of these structures to identify whether there are any irregularities. Any fluid remaining in the upper gastrointestinal tract can be removed by way of the scope. Depending on exam findings, a number of things could be conducted during the course of the assessment, including tissue extraction for a biopsy, opening the bile duct or pancreatic duct (sphincterotomy), removal of stones from the pancreatic ducts or gallstones from the bile ducts, or the placement of stents (plastic/metal tubes) into the bile or pancreatic ducts. Once the ERCP is complete, as much of the remaining fluid and air as possible will be suctioned out via the scope. The process takes between 30 – 90 minutes to complete based on the findings.

Once the test is over, you will be escorted to the recovery room to be monitored while the sedation medication begins to wear off. The dosage of sedation used during the ERCP and how you respond to the medication will affect how soon you wake up, but most patients are awake enough for release within 45 – 60 minutes. You will not be able to operate any vehicles for the rest of the day; therefore, you should arrange for a ride home in advance. You will also be directed not to sign important documents, work, or engage in strenuous activity for the rest of the day. In most situations, individuals can consume foods and beverages as usual after being dismissed from the endoscopy unit, but pertinent instructions concerning eating, activity, and medications will be administered prior to dismissal. On occasion, patients will be admitted to stay in the hospital overnight for evaluation or monitoring.

When the ERCP is complete, the provider and/or nurse will explain the assessment findings to you. The majority of individuals do not remember what is discussed after the process as a result of the effects of the sedation. Our Denver Digestive Health Specialists team strongly suggests you bring someone with you to whom the exam findings can also be explained, if possible. You will also be released with a typed report and will be contacted with any biopsy or other test results generally within seven days.