If you are experiencing digestive issues or problems with the pancreas, you may need an ERCP procedure soon. If you live in Saint Thomas, VI, get ERCP treatment at Paragon Surgical Center. You are in good hands with our professional staff.
What Is An ERCP?
Your surgeons perform an ERCP to diagnose conditions and diseases in certain areas of the digestive system. The test focuses on the liver, bile ducts, pancreas, and gall bladder.
What Can I Expect During ERCP?
When you come to our office for this procedure, our staff will use a special tube called an endoscope to look inside your digestive system. We will focus on the bile duct, gallbladder, and pancreas area. Once our doctors find where the bile duct connects to the intestine, a blue contrast agent will be inserted. This blue fluid allows us to view the gallbladder, bile, and pancreas. Upon observation of this area, our staff can make a proper diagnosis.
This is normally a low-risk procedure. It may pose some risk to patients using this to remove gallstones. Infections and bleeding may also happen. In worse-case scenarios, the bowel can get punctured.
How Do I Prepare For an ERCP Procedure?
- Alert your doctor about any medication
- Possibly adjust insulin dosage
- Avoid eating 8 hours before
- Avoid drinking 8 hours before
- Have a driver to take you home
- Plan not to drive 8 hrs after
- Plan not to operate machinery 8 hrs after
- Plan for an overnight hospital stay
Depending on how you respond to the ERCP, you may be able to go straight home - as long as someone else is driving. However, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight. Plan accordingly for either situation.
Our staff at Paragon Surgical Center can help you through a successful ERCP in Saint Thomas, VI. If you think you may have digestive issues, contact us at (340) 715-7874 for a consultation today.