In the modern medical age of today, ERCP has really revolutionized the procedure of diagnosing and treating diseases pertaining to the pancreas and bile duct. Though this endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed by a high technology endoscopic system, it is up to the patient to know when immediately after ERCP one should refer to a doctor.
This article sums up the meaning of ERCP; what normal changes happen to the body after it; what symptoms to care about; and how better and timely medical attention can avert serious complications.
What is ERCP and What Is in Its Purview?
An endoscopic procedure through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine (duodenum), a narrow flexible tube (endoscope) passes into the bile duct and pancreatic duct for the purpose of examining these ducts by the doctor. A special contrast dye is injected through this system, letting it conclude using X-ray imaging if there are any blockages, stones, inflammation, or tumors in these ducts.
The major purpose of an ERCP is also to diagnose and treat the conditions of the bile and pancreas in terms of gallstones, tumors, bile duct blockage, and also pancreatitis.
Normal Body Response After ERCP
After a medical procedure, the body tries to normalize and relax after undergoing a medical procedure. ERCP is among these procedures.
Things a patient might notice after the procedure are:
- Minor sore throat or burning, which will clear up in two to three days.
- Feeling slightly weak or tired.
- Light stomach pain or feeling uneasy in the colon.
- Every once in a while, a mild hint of nausea or indigestion.
All of these signs are considered part of the normal course and revert back by following little rest and medication. However, if they become more intense or other bizarre symptoms arise, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Calling a Doctor Immediately
Very few times do conditions arise that are unusual after ERCP and require urgent intervention. These appear to be the symptoms of potential complications. So let’s understand them in detail.
Severe or Constantly Increasing Abdominal Pain
A new onset of bad pain in the upper abdomen a few hours or days post ERCP very often augurs rather bad news.
Usually, this pain is linked up with inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), a well-known, yet quite uncommon complication of-going ERCP.
If the pain keeps on intensifying and one starts having trouble eating and drinking or begins to feel vomit-like, it must be taken to a doctor right away. This helps avoid serious complications early on.
Very High Fever or Chills
These manifestations could indicate infection: development of temperature above 102°F, together with shaking, chill, or body aches in the post-ERCP period.
Cases of cholangitis can surface in the bile ducts sometimes; however, the worst part is when it goes untreated.
In this situation, sticking to the doctor’s orders, blood cultures will be run immediately followed by ultrasound or other tests, and the infection can be brought under control with antibiotics.
Vomiting, Nausea, or Abdominal Swelling
Minor nausea or discomfort is normal, but if there is continued vomiting or the stomach feels too swollen and there is excessive gas and pain, this can also indicate intestinal obstruction or inflammatory changes.
Sometimes, temporary swelling occurs due to air or contrast dye during ERCP. However, if bile or blood is in the vomit, the doctor should be contacted immediately.
Throat Swelling or Difficulty Breathing
The endoscope is passed down the mouth and throat in the process of an ERCP, so having mild sore throat could be expected.
Major swelling of the throat accompanied with pain, hoarseness, or difficulty in breathing could be more characteristic of an allergy or reaction to a medicine.
This is a case that needs going to the hospital immediately because it could turn out to be a medical emergency.
Blood in the Stool or Vomit
Vomiting blood in post-endoscopy patients or stool blackening and darkening after ERCP should be viewed as possible intestinal or bile duct bleeding.
This very serious condition could require immediate medical attention. Doctors usually diagnose the source of bleeding using an endoscopy or CT scan.
The Skin or Eyes Turn Yellow
The skin or eyeballs of the patient turning yellow post-ERCP signifies that there is still an obstruction in restoring bile flow.
Sometimes the stent becomes dysfunctional, or there may be formation again of new stones, which again obstruct the bile.
The doctor will then immediately examine the stent and either correct or replace it as appropriate.
Unusual Weakness and Loss of Appetite
There may be mild fatigue for a day or two after ERCP, but if that continues longer, there is no appetite for food, or weight is lost very rapidly, there could be something going on inside.
Necessary blood tests and ultrasounds will help determine if there is any infection, inflammation, or other complications needing urgent attention.
Important Care Instructions After ERCP
The post-ERCP period is a recovery phase for the body; hence, one has to pass through some important aspects.
First, rest for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Since the effect of the sedative medication remains, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Use medications prescribed by the doctor but do not discontinue even if the patient feels better. Eat small meals for a few days and avoid heavy, fried, or spicy food.
Schedule your follow-up appointment to see how your stenting is doing after your doctor has carried it out.
Above all, listen to your body. If anything unusual comes up, do not hesitate to call your doctor.
Why Timely Doctor Contact Is Important
Due to mild pain or fever, it is normal for a patient to think that no action is required. Sadly, this may lead to a serious assumption after an ERCP procedure.
This could be, on certain occasions, ordinary complications like pancreatitis or a bile duct infection, whose symptoms can be mild initially but can quickly turn into serious complications.
This makes it important that the timeliness of contact with a doctor not only keeps you safe but also prevents many others from developing serious complications.
Importance of Checkup and Follow-Up After ERCP
Usually, follow-ups are arranged in the first or second week after an ERCP by most doctors. This helps the physician to assess your recovery, appetite, weight, and any complications you may have.
In case of biopsy, it will be during the follow-up appointment that the results are reported back. The doctor assesses the state of stents or bile flow and makes arrangements accordingly.
Conclusion
ERCP is considered to be one of the most advanced and safest of all medical procedures till now. It plays a major role in diagnosing and treating complex diseases.
While we know from experience that the procedure is safe and successful, we must also impart knowledge to patients regarding what might be acceptable in terms of symptoms and when it would be considered excessive.
Do not disregard any strange symptoms that follow an ERCP procedure: pain, fever, blood, vomiting, or paleness. Rapidly calling a doctor in this case will expedite healing and reduce complications.
That’s what medicine is all about: for treatment, safety, and welfare of patients.
Thus, if your body begins to behave in an unhealthy manner post-ERCP, you should not hesitate to answer that call for your health.
