Most of us are probably familiar with the term gallstones. What exactly is meant by this condition? How can gallstones appear and cause the gallbladder to NOT be able to perform its function optimally? Please note that gallstones are a common condition in which hard deposits form in the gallbladder or bile ducts, causing pain, infection or serious complications. It is also important to know that gallstones require proper treatment to reduce symptoms and prevent further complications which are much more serious, such as the entry of gallbladder stones into the duct known as CBD ( Common Bile Duct ) which causes the patient's skin to turn yellow. One method that is often used to overcome this problem is ERCP or Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography . To provide an overview of the ERCP method, this article will discuss in detail the ERCP procedure, including how this procedure is performed, the preparations carried out beforehand, and the benefits and risks that accompany it.
Get to Know ERCP: A Modern Solution to Bile Duct Problems
ERCP is a medical procedure that combines endoscopy (a tool similar to a long tube equipped with a camera at the end) and fluoroscopy ( real-time X-ray imaging) which functions to diagnose and treat problems with the bile ducts and pancreas. This procedure helps the doctor to look directly inside the bile and pancreatic ducts, as well as treat other conditions such as blockage or inflammation.
How is the ERCP Procedure Performed?
The ERCP procedure involves the following steps:
- Patient Preparation
- Patients are advised to provide complete information to the doctor about their medical history, medications they are taking and any allergies they have.
- Before the procedure, the patient will be asked to fast for 6-8 hours to ensure the stomach is empty. This aims to help reduce the risk of aspiration during the procedure.
- Local anesthesia or general sedation is necessary to make the patient feel comfortable and reduce pain. - Performing Endoscope Insertion
- The doctor will insert the endoscope through the mouth, through the esophagus, stomach, until it reaches the duodenum or the first part of the small intestine.
- The camera at the end of the endoscope helps doctors see detailed images of the digestive tract.
- Once the endoscope has reached the right location, the doctor will inject a contrast agent through a small catheter inserted into the bile or pancreatic duct.
- The contrast agent aims to make the bile ducts and pancreas appear more clearly on fluoroscopy X-ray images. - Treatment Actions
- If during the procedure the doctor finds bile duct stones, blockages, or other conditions, the doctor uses a special tool through an endoscope to remove the stones or widen the blocked ducts.
- A stent (small tube) will be placed to keep the duct open and allow proper fluid flow.
What are the Benefits and Risks of the ERCP Method?
The ERCP method certainly has benefits because it aims to provide accurate diagnostics. ERCP allows detailed evaluation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts for a more precise diagnosis. In addition to diagnosing, this procedure also makes it possible to treat bile duct stones, blockages, or other conditions found.
This procedure does not rule out the possibility of risks arising such as anesthesia complications or allergic reactions to the anesthesia used during the procedure. Therefore, patients are required to convey to the doctor their drug allergies so as to ensure smooth implementation of the ERCP procedure. As a means of treatment, ERCP is an effective and relatively minimally invasive method for treating problems with the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as gallstones and blockages. With the technology used in ERCP, doctors can carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with high precision. Although there are associated risks, the benefits of appropriate treatment with ERCP often outweigh these risks, allowing patients to receive effective treatment and reduce bothersome symptoms.
If you or someone you know has symptoms that indicate bile duct problems, consult an EMC professional to see if ERCP is the right choice for further treatment. With a good understanding of this procedure, patients can undergo ERCP with more calm and confidence.
If you or your family experience this problem, it is important to recognize the symptoms and immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
Article written by dr. Rio Andreas, Sp.B., SubSp.BD(K)., M.Biomed., FINACS (Surgeon Specialist - Digestive Surgery Subspecialist EMC Sentul Hospital).