Treatment Duration
20 Minutes
------ To ------45 Minutes
Treatment Cost
₹ 12,000
------ To ------₹ 60,000
Book Appointment for ERCP Test
The advancement in medical technology has led to the development of techniques that are useful for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes. One such procedure is ERCP. The full form of ERCP is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. It is a process that enables the doctor to deal with problems related to the bile duct and pancreatic ducts.
Generally, doctors (gastroenterologists) prefer this procedure when they expect to detect and treat the medical issue simultaneously. In this article, we shall feature most aspects of the ERCP procedure. Keep reading to unveil them!
But before that, having good insights into the anatomy and physiology of the components accountable for this procedure is vital. So, let's have a look at them first.
Surgery Name |
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography |
Alternative Name |
ERCP |
Conditions Treated |
Stones, Treating blockage or leakage,Treating adenomas and biliary duct diseases |
Benefits of the Surgery |
Minimally invasive, Non-surgical, Minimum or no complications |
Treated by |
Gastroenterologist |
You can check ERCP Test Cost here.
ERCP, or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, is a procedure that uses two techniques, i.e. X-Ray and endoscopy. It aids the gastroenterologist in examining the bile duct and pancreatic ducts and imaging the gallbladder and hepatic duct.
Here, endoscopy is combined with fluoroscopy, backed with radiography, to offer the gastroenterologist the finest details of the delicate internal organs. The endoscope is a thin tubule-like structure equipped with a lens and light. A dye is used as a fluorescing element, further enhancing the endoscope's details. Lastly, an X-ray captures the inner intricacies of the internal organs.
Endoscopy combined with fluoroscopy helps the medical practitioner view the inner details better. This increases the chances of a more precise diagnosis with a clearer medical picture which in turn aids in an appropriate treatment simultaneously or later.
The ERCP procedure facilitates a gastroenterologist with the scope to reach the internal organs, particularly the GI tract while diagnosing the medical condition. Thus, along with being a good diagnostic tool, it also exists as an efficient technique for treatment. Given below are some of the conditions that can be treated with ERCP:
When an individual is suffering from the accumulation of stones in the bile duct, pancreatic duct, or gallbladder, ERCP can be used to remove these stones.
Medical practitioners prefer ERCP stent placement in case of patients detected with blockage in the ducts. The stent acts as a device that helps in opening the blocked passage. Also, it can resolve the problem of fluids leaking in the ducts
ERCP ampullectomy and sphincterotomy are the treatment procedures that can be adopted when the surgeon or specialist detects the presence of adenoma in the duodenal area. This involves making a small incision on the muscular valve to widen the opening of the duct. Removal of adenomas using the ERCP techniques is successful to some extent.
ERCP procedure is used for diagnosing or treating the problems of the pancreatic and bile duct; it is evident that the patients with the associated discomfort are suitable candidates for it. Following are some symptoms an individual can show if he or she is suffering from pancreatic or bile duct issues.
ERCP is considered by the practitioner when the cause of these symptoms, accompanied by other distinct symptoms, stays unknown even after trying other non-invasive diagnostic methods.
The following may need this procedure include candidates:
Expert Doctors (6)
NABH Accredited Hospitals (5)
The ERCP procedure can be performed on both in-patients and out-patients, and it's a minimally invasive procedure, taking about 1-2 hours to complete. It is a therapeutic and diagnostic method that requires accuracy and has no place for errors. Thus, it must be accomplished with extreme care. Read below to know how it's performed.
When the gastroenterologist prefers opting for treatment through ERCP, the above procedure can also have a few additional steps. They are as follows:
It is always better to be aware that no medical procedure is versatile, and numerous factors must be considered before choosing a particular diagnostic tool or treatment. Likewise, ERCP, though it is an efficient method, it is essential to know that the medical history of the patient and the doctor's opinion play a crucial role in deciding its applicability.
ERCP is an invasive procedure that intrudes on the internal body organs. Thus it is vital to know specific instructions or precautions the patient should observe. Here, we shall highlight the aspects to remember or follow before or on the day of the procedure.
Following are some of the essential details of the ERCP procedure that a patient must know so that they know the procedure well and stays prepared for it:
There needs to be more than just knowing the purpose and procedure of ERCP. One must also know what happens after the procedure to understand its impact, consequences, or effect. Read below to learn about the ERCP aftercare:
The time and type of recovery depend on the type of medical procedure performed on the individual. Also, it depends on the patient's medical history, which the doctors consider and instruct about. Given below are some of the primary recovery aspects of ERCP.
In such cases, it is essential to seek follow-ups more frequently (religiously stick to the follow-up routine and medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider)
Every medical procedure's utility depends on its advantages over the other methods. ERCP is a unique and advanced procedure that gastroenterologists prefer for the several benefits it serves, which are mentioned below:
ERCP is a low-risk procedure, and the success rate is between 70-95%. When performed by a skilled and experienced gastroenterologist, ERCP is expected to feature the least complications or side effects.
Delaying a medical procedure can pose a risk to the patient's life. However, this depends on the patient's medical condition and treatment. Can delayed ERCP be dangerous? Keep reading to know.
Having a fair estimate of the medical procedure expenses is always a better idea as it helps an individual to stay prepared financially. The essential ERCP test cost ranges between ₹35,000-₹55,000; however, it may vary from city to city and hospital to hospital.
Several factors are also considered while taking out the cost of the procedure. Some of the important ones include the doctor's expertise, consultation charges, hospital charges, the treatment procedure of ERCP (Stent placement, stone removal, etc.), and the patient's medical history.
Procedure Name | Cost Value |
ERCP | ₹35,000 - ₹55,000 |
No medical procedure is risk-free; hence, looking for the most proficient source of skilled and experienced medical professionals is essential. HexaHealth has everything to call itself one of the best in healthcare. We are committed to offering the best medical advice, treatment, or therapies at affordable prices. So do not wait anymore. Get in touch with us to seek the best of healthcare!
ERCP, or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, is a procedure that enables the doctor to diagnose and treat the problems of the bile and pancreatic duct. This procedure is effective and is preferred mainly in cases where diagnosis and treatment can happen simultaneously.
ERCP is not a major surgery as it's a simple non-surgical procedure that takes about 1-2 hours. Also, it's a minimally invasive procedure with fast recovery.
Common conditions requiring ERCP are abdominal pain and jaundice-like symptoms that can last longer, already diagnosed with stones (in the gallbladder, pancreatic duct or bile duct) and obstructions or tumours in the bile duct or pancreatic duct.
ERCP procedure can be used to remove gallstones (stones from the gallbladder) and prevent their recurrence to a great extent. The doctor can diagnose the presence of a stone in the gallbladder and treat it simultaneously.
ERCP procedure may require a stent in case of stent placement when the doctor detects a blockage in the duct. The stent acts as a device that leaves the duct open and relieves obstruction.
ERCP is advised on an empty stomach to enable the gastroenterologist to visualise the inner details better without interference. The patients are prescribed to avoid eating for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
The precautions required before ERCP are not eating for 6 hours and drinking for 2 hours, stopping medicines (for BP, diabetes, blood thinners, etc.), and avoiding chewing gums and smoking.
The ERCP results are ready within 30-40 minutes after the procedure. In most hospitals, the doctor who performs the procedure writes the reports immediately and calls for a final review before authenticating. All this can take up to 1 or a maximum of 2 hours.
The ERCP results are given with images of the concerned area, such as the pancreas, bile duct, and gallbladder. Conditions such as gallstones, blockage in the duct, tumours, etc., can be evaluated by looking at the ERCP results.
Gallbladder removal is not always required after an ERCP procedure. It's only done in a few cases when the symptoms of ERCP, such as nausea, bloating, sore throat, etc., stay intact for a longer time.
The ERCP stent can stay for up to 3 months. After that, removing or replacing it with the new one is advised. In the case of permanent stent placement, the stent can stay for a lifetime; however, it is essential to check with the doctor about this procedure.
After the ERCP procedure, the patient is expected to only drive for 24 hours, not to work on the same day, avoid eating heavy meals and consume beverages such as tea or soda.
Yes, there are potential risks or complications associated with ERCP. These include internal bleeding (haemorrhage), damage to the tissues due to an x-ray, acute pancreatitis and infection in the bile duct or gallbladder.
MRCP, or Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography, is an excellent alternative to ERCP as this method is non-invasive and equally efficient. For individuals who are not willing or for whom ERCP is not possible (due to some medical reasons), MRCP can be performed.
There are chances that the gallstones can come back after years of ERCP and there have been cases showing such complications. However, this can happen only in some cases, recurrence rate ranging from 4-24%.
ERCP can be done up to 3 or more times depending on the patient's medical condition. There is no harm in performing this procedure several times; it can even be used for treating recurrent episodes of gallstone.
Last Updated on: 22 March 2024
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
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