Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

ERCP

Alternative Names:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

What the risks are:

There is a possibility of side effects from the dye, and from the drug used to relax the duodenum. These side effects may include nausea, hives, blurred vision, or a dry mouth, a feeling of burning or flushing, and retention of urine.

Side effects of anesthetics used can lead to breathing problems and low blood pressure, but these complications are rare. The risks of the procedure are determined by the treatment it is used for.

If the bile duct opening into the small bowel is enlarged by electrocautery (called a sphincterotomy) there is a risk of bleeding, perforation (hole) of the bowel, and pancreatitis . The risk of any complication is less than 10%. Severe complications (severe pancreatitis, severe bleeding) occur less frequently.

Special considerations:

Not applicable.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com