Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Discharge Information
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Discharge Information
Patient Information
Endoscopy Department
- Author ID: RB
- Leaflet Ref: End 025
- Version: 1
- Leaflet title: ERCP Discharge Information
- Date produced: February 2023
- Expiery Date: February 2025
Introduction
This leaflet provides information about aftercare advice following your Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). You will find important information about symptoms to look out for after your procedure, who to contact if any of these symptoms arise also any follow up that may be required.
Sedation can make you forgetful so if you would like a family member present when discussing your results, aftercare information and follow up, please inform a member of staff.
Your GP will be sent a copy of your results.
- You have been discharged back to GP care.
- You require an outpatient appointment and will be sent an appointment.
- Mr/Dr ........................................ in the post.
- You will receive appointments for further investigations.
- You will require another ERCP in ...... ........................................................................
- A copy of your report has been sent to your consultant; they will review your results and contact you with any follow up appointments.
Sedation can make you sleepy or forgetful for 24 hours after the procedure. Therefore, we advise that you rest for the remainder of the day, and you MUST have a responsible adult to stay with you for the 24 hours.
Therefore for 24 hours you must not:
- Sign any legally binding documents
- Drive a vehicle (you will not be insured)
- Operate any machinery (this includes household appliances)
- Drink alcohol/ take recreational drugs (this can increase the sedatives effects)
- Be left alone, care for children or dependant adults
- Have a bath unsupervised
It may be more comfortable to consume a light diet for 24 hours, but you can eat and drink as normal (non-alcoholic drinks).
You may experience some mild bloating and discomfort following the procedure. Consuming warm drinks, walking around and peppermint water/sweets can help with this.
You may have a sore throat for 24-48 hours. This is normal and should pass.
It is rare that you will experience any of the following, but if you do within 48 hours of the procedure, please contact the hospital on the numbers on the back page. If you have problems after 48 hours, please contact your GP (if not urgent).
- Severe pain in neck chest or abdomen
- Repeated vomiting which stops you from eating or drinking
- Vomiting or passing blood (or black tarry stools)
- High fevers or cold shivers or any signs of infection (temperature greater than 38°c/101°F)
- Breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse.
Contact Details
Monday to Friday 8am until 5:30pm.
If possible, please have your report to hand when contacting for advice.
Endoscopy Unit (Royal Albert Edward Infirmary):
You can contact the nursing staff for queries regarding symptom advice on telephone:
01942822939
Out of hours contact details
Outside the hours stated above, for symptom advice please contact:
Shevington ward Royal Albert Edward infirmary
01942 822597
Accident and Emergency Royal Albert Edward infirmary
01942 822441
Useful Websites
www.corecharity.org.uk
Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS)
Provides confidential on the spot advice, information and support to patients, relatives, friends, and carers.
Telephone 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm).