Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP): How To Prepare

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)
Test Overview
Why It Is Done
How To Prepare
How It Is Done
How It Feels
Risks
Results
What Affects the Test
What To Think About
References
Credits

Content provided by Healthwise

How To Prepare

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Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before having the test.

Tell your doctor if you:

Have hay fever, hives, food or medication allergies, or asthma.
Are allergic to shellfish (shrimp, scallops, lobster), the iodine used in the contrast material for X-ray tests, or any other substance that contains iodine.
Have had a digestive tract study that used barium, such as a barium enema, within the last week.
Are taking blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .

You will be asked to empty your bladder and remove any dentures, jewelry, or contact lenses before having an ERCP.

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Last updated:	April 30, 2007
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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