Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Germany

Most of ERCP are carried out under local anesthetic, but in some cases, you may receive a general anesthetic. Your doctor inserts the endoscope (a long flexible tube with light and camera on its end) through your mouth and down to the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. Then, your doctor passes a tube through the endoscope and injects a dye, which will highlight the organ on the X-ray.

You can leave the hospital on the same day of the procedure or you may need to stay overnight. You’ll likely discuss the result of the diagnosis once you regained consciousness or the next day of the procedure. Plan to stay in Germany for 2 to 3 days to allow for a recovery period.

You must rest for at least 24 hours and you should be able to resume your normal activities the next day after the surgery, but make sure to take things easy for a couple of days.

You will need to avoid strenuous activities for several days and follow a special diet during your recovery period. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure. 

ECRP is safe and effective. However, it has been estimated that the procedure carries around 3.5 to 5 percent risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Other side effects and risks associated with ECRP include infection of the gallbladder or the bile duct, excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), perforation in the pancreatic or bile ducts, tissue damage from X-ray exposure, and an abnormal reaction to the sedative. Complications occur in about 5 to 10 percent of all ERCP procedures.

If ERCP is not the right procedure for you, your alternatives include endoscopic ultrasound, CT Scan, and MRI or MRCP (a special MRI of the bile ducts).