What happens after the ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) procedure?

  • You will stay in a recovery room for one to two hours for observation. You may feel a temporary soreness in your throat. Lozenges may help.
  • A responsible adult must accompany you, and should stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery for at least eight hours.
  • Stay overnight within a 30-minute drive of the hospital so that you can get to the emergency room quickly, if necessary.

The results of the procedure will be sent to your primary care or referring doctor, who will discuss them with you. If the results of the procedure show that you need immediate medical attention, the necessary arrangements will be made and your referring doctor will be notified.

Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following within 72 hours after the procedure:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • A continuous cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/09/2016.

References

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