risk of ercp test with pancreatitis

if someone has pancreatitis with a fever as a complication and the doctor is calling for an ercp test and the gallbladder is already diseased and needs to be removed because of many gallstones with one outside of the gallbladder, what are the risks involved ?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The risk of ERCP is higher if a therapeutic procedure is performed (i.e sphincterotomy).  Serious complications including pancreatitis, cholangitis, free abdominal duodenal perforation, and other nonspecific adverse events can occur with both diagnostic and therapeutic ERCPs.

Infections occurring after ERCP are most often due to manipulation of an obstructed biliary or pancreatic system. Less commonly, infection can be introduced by contaminated endoscopic equipment, which is extremely unlikely if proper disinfection methods have been used.

ERCP may be rarely complicated by perforation of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or jejunum. The risk is increased in patients with stenosis of any of these segments and in patients who have undergone gastric resection.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[TazLady]

Hi,

I have Moderate to Severe Chronic Pancreatitis.  I have had MANY ERCP's.  It is an evasive surgery to someone who has pancreatitis.  I was told that they would not do the surgery if I had a fever. Generaly, you will have a fever if you are having a pancreatic attack. Also, the chance that you will have a pancreatic attack after the surgery is high.  I have only had 1 ERCP where I did not have a pancreatic attack.  The most severe one ending me up in the hospital for 9 days.

I did not have my gallbladder during any of these surgerys either.  It had come out long before that.

I am not trying to scare you by saying this, only wanting to inform and prepare you for what may happen.  For what purpose are you having the ERCP?  Are they looking to remove a stone that may be lodge somewhere? Are they going in to determine the damage already done to the pancreas?

TazLady