Question 1

How do I prepare for a ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)?

Accepted Answer

Technique that combines endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat bile and pancreatic ducts.

Question 2

What do I need to know before a ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)?

Accepted Answer

• **Definition:** A technique that combines endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat bile and pancreatic ducts. • **Fasting:** It is essential to strictly fast (do not ingest solid foods or liquids, not even water) for at least 8 hours before the test. The stomach and duodenum must be completely empty to avoid complications. • **Medication:** If you take anticoagulants (such as acenocoumarol/sintrom, warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, heparin, etc.) or antiplatelets (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, etc.), they usually require suspension before the test (except for ASA 100 mg, which is usually maintained), as during ERCP it is very common to make small cuts, extract stones, or place stents. However, it is **ESSENTIAL** that you follow the exact instructions given by your doctor. Review the consultation report in which the test was requested to confirm the specific guidelines for your case. • **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend coming in comfortable and easy-to-remove clothing, as you will need to wear a hospital gown. There is a strict restriction regarding metal objects (jewelry, piercings, watches, or brooches), since ERCP uses X-ray equipment and metal interferes with the images. Additionally, it will be necessary to remove glasses and removable dentures before starting. Do not wear nail polish, as a sensor (pulse oximeter) will be placed on your finger to monitor sedation. • **Specific Requirements:** Please do not smoke on the day of the test, as tobacco stimulates gastric secretion. It is essential that you inform your doctor if you have an allergy to iodine contrast, as it will be injected to see the ducts on the X-rays. As this procedure is performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia, it is mandatory to be accompanied by an adult, as you will not be able to drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day for your safety. *Mandatory requirement: If there is any possibility of being pregnant, it is strictly mandatory to report it before the test.* • **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** Thanks to the sedation, you will not feel pain or be conscious during the intervention. After the procedure, it is completely normal to feel a slight pain, dryness, or irritation in the throat for 1 or 2 days. It is also common to experience a sensation of abdominal bloating or gas due to the air introduced to improve visibility during the exam.

Question 3

What do I have to do before a ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)?

Accepted Answer

• **Definition:** A technique that combines endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat bile and pancreatic ducts. • **Fasting:** It is essential to strictly fast (do not ingest solid foods or liquids, not even water) for at least 8 hours before the test. The stomach and duodenum must be completely empty to avoid complications. • **Medication:** If you take anticoagulants (such as acenocoumarol/sintrom, warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, heparin, etc.) or antiplatelets (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, etc.), they usually require suspension before the test (except for ASA 100 mg, which is usually maintained), as during ERCP it is very common to make small cuts, extract stones, or place stents. However, it is **ESSENTIAL** that you follow the exact instructions given by your doctor. Review the consultation report in which the test was requested to confirm the specific guidelines for your case. • **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend coming in comfortable and easy-to-remove clothing, as you will need to wear a hospital gown. There is a strict restriction regarding metal objects (jewelry, piercings, watches, or brooches), since ERCP uses X-ray equipment and metal interferes with the images. Additionally, it will be necessary to remove glasses and removable dentures before starting. Do not wear nail polish, as a sensor (pulse oximeter) will be placed on your finger to monitor sedation. • **Specific Requirements:** Please do not smoke on the day of the test, as tobacco stimulates gastric secretion. It is essential that you inform your doctor if you have an allergy to iodine contrast, as it will be injected to see the ducts on the X-rays. As this procedure is performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia, it is mandatory to be accompanied by an adult, as you will not be able to drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day for your safety. *Mandatory requirement: If there is any possibility of being pregnant, it is strictly mandatory to report it before the test.* • **Expected discomfort or pain from the test:** Thanks to the sedation, you will not feel pain or be conscious during the intervention. After the procedure, it is completely normal to feel a slight pain, dryness, or irritation in the throat for 1 or 2 days. It is also common to experience a sensation of abdominal bloating or gas due to the air introduced to improve visibility during the exam.

General instructions for ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

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