Areas Examined & Treated |
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| Areas |
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The Procedure |
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Endoscopy Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography ERCP |
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| Diagnostic |
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| Therapeutic |
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Before Your Procedure |
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Schedule Your Procedure |
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| Appointment | Schedule your procedure appointment with GastroDoxs by phone @ 832-632-4070 or in the office |
| Location |
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| Insurance | We will have the necessary insurance in advance, when authorized. |
| Financial | GastroDoxs will charge procedure fees during your procedure booking. |
| Orders | Our team will send your procedure orders to the surgery center |
| Transportation |
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| Changes | To cancel or reschedule, call or text GastroDoxs @ 832-632-4070 |
Register with the Surgery Center |
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| General | A representative from the hospital or surgery center will call you to discuss the registration process, time & location of your procedure |
| Clinical |
The pre-assessment testing team will discuss the following:
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| Financial |
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Clearance |
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| Cardiac Hematology Neurology Pulmonary |
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Medications |
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| 2 Weeks Before |
Hold - GLP1 Agonist Medication:
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| 1 Week Before |
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| 1 Day Before |
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| Procedure Day |
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| Other |
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Diet Instructions |
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| 1 Day Before |
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| Procedure Day | No food or liquids on the procedure day |
Procedure Day |
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| Diet | No food or liquids on the procedure day |
| Arrival |
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| Pre-Procedure |
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| Sedation |
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| Position | You will be instructed to lie on the left side with your knees up to your chest |
| Visualization | After sedation, the endoscope with x-ray is inserted through the mouth & gently advanced to visualize the biliary pancreatic ducts |
| Diagnostic |
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| Therapeutic |
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| Pathologist |
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| Follow-Up |
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After Your Procedure |
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| Recovery |
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| Transportation |
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| Symptoms |
Normal post procedure symptoms:
Abnormal post procedure symptoms:
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| Appointment | Ensure that you have a follow-up 2-3 weeks after the procedure |
| Results |
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| Questions | Call or text GastroDoxs @ 832-632-4070 |
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to examine and treat disorders of the bile ducts and pancreas. It helps identify and manage conditions such as gallstones, strictures, tumors, pancreatitis, and bile duct obstructions by combining endoscopy with fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging).
During an ERCP procedure, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is gently inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the small intestine. A contrast dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts, allowing detailed X-ray imaging. If blockages or abnormalities are found, the doctor can perform treatments such as removing stones, placing stents, or making small incisions to improve bile flow.
No. ERCP is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, not a major surgery. It is performed without external incisions, typically on an outpatient basis, and uses sedation or anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Yes. ERCP is frequently used to locate and remove gallstones that have migrated into the bile ducts. Special instruments passed through the endoscope can extract stones or place stents to help restore normal bile drainage.
No. ERCP is performed under sedation or general anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, mild throat irritation, bloating, or abdominal discomfort may occur but typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
ERCP methods include contrast dye injection for imaging, sphincterotomy (cutting the sphincter muscle), stent placement to maintain duct flow, balloon dilation, and stone removal — all performed through an endoscope under fluoroscopic guidance.
Preparation involves fasting for 6–8 hours before the procedure, avoiding certain medications as advised, and arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure. Follow all instructions provided by your doctor. For more details, visit our preparation page.
Although ERCP is generally safe, possible complications may include pancreatitis, cholangitis (infection), bleeding, intestinal perforation, contrast dye allergy, or anesthesia-related reactions. These risks are rare, and your healthcare team will take precautions to minimize them.
ERCP is also known as Endoscopic Cholangiopancreatography. It refers to the use of an endoscope and X-ray imaging to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreas.
