SARAH C. UPHAM DIVISION OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOBILIARY DISEASES
INSTRUCTIONS INFORMATION
7 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- DISCONTINUENon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s-Motrin, Advil, Aleve, and Excedrin), Pepto-Bismol and any herbal supplements. Tylenol is permitted.
- If you are taking aspirin due to a doctor's order to prevent stroke or heart attack, please check with your doctorif it can be discontinued.
- If you are taking blood thinnerssuch as Coumadin, Lovenox or anti-platelet agents (Plavix), please discuss this with your physician and with our office.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home. You will be sedated for the procedure and hence will need an adult to drive you home or accompany you home in a taxi or on public transportation.
DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the examination. You must have an empty stomach to allow for an adequate examination. If you have a late afternoon exam, you may have a clear liquid breakfast by 6 am (6 hours prior to your scheduled procedure time). Clear liquids consist of water, tea, soda, broth, coffee, popsicles and jello. No milk or creamer may be used.
MORNING OF PROCEDURE
- Take your usual morning medications other than those noted earlier. This is especially important for blood pressure and heart medications. You may drink water for up to 4 hours prior to your procedure.
- If you are diabetic: Typically, we recommend that you do not take your oral hypoglycemic or insulin on the day of the procedure. Bring it with you to take after your procedure.
- You will need an adult to drive you home or accompany you home in a taxi or on public transportation.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that is easy to step into. Wear flat shoes or tennis shoes. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.
- Please bring all of the following when you come for your procedure:
- A list of all medications
- A list of any allergies
- Health insurance cards
THE PROCEDURE:
In the pre procedure area you will be asked questions about your health history, current medicines and allergies. You will also be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure can begin.After you change into a hospital gown, a nurse will start an intravenous line (IV) that will be used to give you medications to make you more comfortable during the procedure. Equipment that will help the nurse and doctor monitor your heartbeat and breathing will be connected.You will be asked to lie on your belly. You will then be sedated and the procedure will begin.
RECOVERY
After your procedure you will be taken to the recovery area. One family member may join you there. When you are ready to go home the nurse will discuss instructions and answer your questions. You will be given a summary of findings. You may not drive yourself home. A responsible adult will need to be with you when you are discharged from the recovery area. Be sure to bring a responsible adult, 18 years of age or older, who is a licensed driver with you.
POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS
You will be given specific written instructions about resuming your medications and diet before leaving the endoscopy unit. You may return to work or school the day after your procedure. Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for at least 12 hours after your procedure. Do not make any major legal or financial decisions for at least 12 hours after your procedure.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
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RISKS
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. Serious complications are rare and include, but are not limited to, perforation, bleeding, infection, aspiration, reaction to medicines, pancreatitis, pneumothorax and the need for surgery or transfusion due to one of the above complications.