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ERCP Specialist
in Knoxville, TN

What is ERCP?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure used to look at problems involving the bile ducts and the pancreas. During the procedure, dye is injected through a small canula into the bile duct, pancreatic duct, or both and X-rays are taken to investigate any abnormalities.

 

Conditions That May Require an ERCP:

Gallstones
Bile Duct Blockage
Jaundice
Bile Duct Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during my ERCP procudure?

You come in after fasting, as nothing should be taken by mouth within six hours of the procedure. Your specialist places an intravenous line for your sedation during the procedure, which means you need to have a driver with you. Your doctor reviews your medicines, medical conditions, allergies, and any other issues that may affect the success of your procedure.

You’re positioned towards your stomach on the x-ray table. A mouth guard is placed in your mouth and you’re given adequate sedation until you’re comfortable and asleep.

The ERCP scope is then easily advanced through your mouth down through your esophagus into the stomach and into the first and second portion of the small bowel (duodenum). Contrast is injected into the common bile duct and often the pancreatic duct. At times, a small cut of the middle duct going into the common bile duct may be needed in order to be able to inject the contrast into this duct.

What happens after my ERCP?

After your procedure, you’re taken to the recovery room and allowed to wake up. You may feel slightly bloated or nauseated due to the air and medicines used during the procedure. Your doctor sits down with you and talks to you about the results.

What are the risks of having an ERCP?

ERCP is a highly specialized test that is safe overall; however, complications can occur with ERCP. Abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting may occur after the procedure. You may also have a sore throat.

Other complications include pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. This typically is mild, although it can result in severe abdominal pain and complications that would require hospitalization. Infection remains a potential complication. Perforation, although very uncommon, does remain a risk for ERCP.

Why should I have an ERCP performed?

ERCP is an invaluable tool used to diagnose and treat conditions of the liver, pancreas, common bile duct, and gallbladder. It allows not only visualization, but also therapeutic intervention of abnormalities found within these organs. Conditions such as gallstones, blockage of the bile ducts, jaundice, and cancer of the bile ducts and pancreas can be effectively studied through ERCP testing.

There are alternatives, such as CT scan, MRI, MRCP (MRI without contrast) as well as abdominal ultrasound. Therapeutic intervention can be performed during radiology studies in these areas as well.

To learn more about ERCP and whether it’s a test that would benefit you, call Edmunds Gastroenterology today or request an appointment online.

Our Team of Specialists

Meade Edmunds, M.D.

Meade Edmunds, MD, is a leading gastroenterologist and founder of Edmunds Gastroenterology in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Edmunds believes in delivering care of the highest possible quality and creating a safe and compassionate environment for every person he sees

Melissa Roberts, FNP-BC

Melissa is a Knoxville native who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She is board certified through the AANP and has practiced in the specialty of gastroenterology since 2015.

Jennifer Hayles, FNP-C

Jennifer Hayles, FNP-C is a graduate of LMU Caylor School of Nursing and King University. She completed her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Chamberlain University in Chicago, Illinois in 2019.

Kim Dunaway, Nurse Practitioner

Kim Dunaway is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. Kim is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Carson Newman. Kim worked in Family Practice for 10 years then moved to GI in 2012 seeing all GI-related conditions, specializing in Hepatology including participation in research.