Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram)

Risks

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) is a test that does have some risks. Having this test may cause serious problems, such as:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
• Bleeding, which may occur if the pancreatic or bile ducts are enlarged or if biopsies are taken during the ERCP.
• Infection of the bile ducts, which may occur if gallstones were removed.
• An abnormal heart rhythm.
• A puncture of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, bile duct, or pancreatic duct. If this happens, you will need to have surgery to repair the puncture.

After the test

After the test, call your doctor immediately if you:

• Vomit blood, whether it is fresh and red or is old and looks like coffee grounds.
• Have new or increased pain.
• Develop a fever or chills.
• Feel short of breath.
• Are dizzy or feel like you may faint.

People with serious heart disease and older adults with other chronic diseases have a greater chance of having problems from this test. Although complications are not common, talk to your doctor about your specific risks.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: April 29, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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