ERCP

[Linda411]

My niece is scheduled to have an ERCP to discover the reason for abdominal pain and pancreatitis,  She has told the family that her doctor told her this test is very dangerous and there is a 20% fatality rate.  After researching this test, I can't believe this test is as dangerous as she says her doctor says it is.  The entire family is scared to death for her very life!  Does anyone agree with me that this doctor seems to have exagerated the dangers in having this test?

[sillyvixen]

i have had 3 lots of ERCP and like any proceedure there are risks, pancratitus is one of them, death is very rare but can happen! they have to tell you about the risks... death is unlikely and certainly not 20% maybe your niece was given so much info and then info on risks and panicked and got muddled with the risks.

try not to worry.

[Pattycake117]

I agree also with both, the right doctor the right facility that specialist in this field is essential. I had done 15 months ago and am doing well. My problems were caused by a birth defect which never knew I had (pancreas divisum) until I had 2 bouts of pancreatitis, which I never had before in my life.

[little57]

I agree with CalGal. I just had this procedure done in September. I was never told it would cause death, just the chance of pancreatitis. Hope all goes well with your niece. I did very well and am finally getting back to normal. I guess I was very lucky to have a doc that knew his job.

[CalGal]

This test has a higher chance of causing pancreatitis than it does of causing death. The worry should be the pancreatic complications.