It is best to inform your doctor of your current medications as well as any allergies several days prior to the examination. You should alert your doctor if you require antibiotics prior to undergoing dental procedures since you may need antibiotics prior to upper endoscopy as well. You will probably be sedated and will need to arrange to have someone accompany you home from the examination because sedatives may affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day. Your physician will discuss why ERCP is being performed, potential complications from ERCP and alternative diagnostic and therapeutic tests that are available. A local anesthetic may be applied to your throat and an intravenous sedative may be given to make you more comfortable during the test.
Some patients also receive antibiotics before the procedure.
The test begins with you lying on your left side on an x-ray table. The endoscope is passed through the mouth, esophagus and stomach into the duodenum. The instrument does not interfere with breathing. Air is introduced through the instrument and may cause temporary bloating during and after the procedure. The injection of contrast material into the ducts rarely causes discomfort.