Re: worried wife again/ERCP

December 28, 2001

Here's some guidelines on ERCPs (based on my

experience).

Most people with this history are started on IV

antibiotics prior to the procedure (it might be orally,

but not in my experience). Follow instructions prior to

procedure (usually nothing by mouth for 8 hours before,

or nothing after midnight if morning procedure). You

will be sedated for the procedure and should not

remember anything past the injection. An hour is a good

guess at the procedure length, but it depends what they

do. If they need to dilate and stent, it may be much

longer. I usually get sick on demoral, so I always ask

for Fentanyl.

The major risk appears to be pancreatitis. Other risks

are the usual sedation risks, perforation of small bowel

or stomach, etc.

You might want to ask about there instrument cleaning

procedures. There is data that shows many facilities do

not do adequate sterilizing of these instruments.

Pancreatitis is by far the most common. Of the 3 I've

had, I ended up with pancreatitis two times. HOWEVER, I

was septic those two times (fever, chills, etc.). The

last one (for stent removal) was a piece of cake.

You should not be given anything by mouth after the

ERCP, until it is assured you will not get

pancreatitis. For me, it was 6-10 hours after the

procedure. Food makes the pancreatitis worse - the pain

can easily reach 10/10.

Good luck, and take care. If you have any more

questions, be sure to ask.

Arne

50 - UC 1977 - PSC 2000

Alive and (mostly) well in Minnesota

> Hi, I've read what I could find about the ERCP. Can anyone tell me

> about how long a procedure it is & possible risks??? I'm trying to

> arrange my childcare etc. for Thurs. What should expect?

>

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