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ERCP

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

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.

• Review Date: 5/8/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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