ERCP PATIENT DISCHARGE INFORMATION
What to expect after ERCP
Sedation given during the procedure will make you less alert and sleepy. Do not make any major decisions or sign any legal documents on the day. Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure or drink alcohol, and avoid any strenuous exercise for 48 hours i.e. Sporting activities. You may resume all other activities on the day of the procedure.
Food and drink
It is advisable that you avoid large or rich meals following your procedure for that day and some people prefer to take fluids only for the first 4-6 hours after the test before eating. Alcohol in combination with the sedation you have received is likely to make you much more sleepy than usual. A mildly sore throat is not unusual and should resolve within 24 hours, taking lozenges will help.
Pain
It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort immediately following the procedure due to air in the stomach. This is usually mild and will soon pass with the help of warm drinks, walking around or taking peppermint water or sweets. Very rarely more severe abdominal pain, sickness and a temperature may occur due to an inflammation of the pancreas. This is called Pancreatitis and it is unlikely that this will happen. If your procedure is being performed as a day case and pain develops later, consult your own doctor or contact the Endoscopy Unit. This might necessitate staying in hospital for a few days to receive pain relief and antibiotics until it settles.
Medications
You may resume normal medications immediately after your ERCP. Please ask if you are not sure if your medication will be safe to take with the sedation.
Things to report to your doctor
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| Endoscopy patient recovery |
Food and drink
It is advisable that you avoid large or rich meals following your procedure for that day and some people prefer to take fluids only for the first 4-6 hours after the test before eating. Alcohol in combination with the sedation you have received is likely to make you much more sleepy than usual. A mildly sore throat is not unusual and should resolve within 24 hours, taking lozenges will help.
Pain
It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort immediately following the procedure due to air in the stomach. This is usually mild and will soon pass with the help of warm drinks, walking around or taking peppermint water or sweets. Very rarely more severe abdominal pain, sickness and a temperature may occur due to an inflammation of the pancreas. This is called Pancreatitis and it is unlikely that this will happen. If your procedure is being performed as a day case and pain develops later, consult your own doctor or contact the Endoscopy Unit. This might necessitate staying in hospital for a few days to receive pain relief and antibiotics until it settles.
Medications
You may resume normal medications immediately after your ERCP. Please ask if you are not sure if your medication will be safe to take with the sedation.
Things to report to your doctor
- Severe pain or vomiting
- Passage or vomiting of blood
- Temperature greater than 38 degrees
