HF 6256

Home Care after Your ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

After the procedure, you may have:

  • A mild sore throat. Saltwater gargles or sucking on hard candy may help.

  • Some gas pains from the air used to distend your stomach. If you burp, this will help.


At Home

Due to continued effects of sedation after your procedure, the following information is provided for your safety and recovery:

  • Do not drink alcohol, take tranquilizers or sleeping pills tonight.

  • Do not drive today. A responsible adult must provide transportation post discharge. Do not drive by yourself until the next day if you received sedation medication or general anesthesia. Driving after a procedure performed with sedation or anesthesia medications may be viewed the same as impaired driving.

  • It is recommended that you are observed for at least 6 hours after discharge for moderate sedation and 24 hours after general anesthesia.

  • Do not make any important decisions today after procedure.

  • Rest today. Do not return to work or school. You may resume normal daily tasks the next day.

  • Do not operate hazardous machinery today.

  • There may be some discomfort at the IV site for a day or two. Relieve pain by placing a warm, moist washcloth over the site. Please call your primary doctor if the discomfort does not improve in a couple of days or if new symptoms of increasing pain, warmth and /or redness develop.


Medicines

You may resume your routine medicines unless told otherwise.


Diet

Follow a clear liquid diet until tomorrow morning. Clear liquids include:

  • Water, broth

  • Ginger ale, 7-up®

  • Clear juice (no pulp)

  • Tea or coffee (no cream or milk)

  • Popsicles, Jello

You may resume your normal diet the next day. Start out with a light diet to prevent nausea.


When to Call

  • New severe, sharp, or steady pain in your stomach, neck, or chest.

  • Fever over 100º F.

  • Vomiting of blood (red or brown in color).

  • Bowel movements that look black (can be a sign of bleeding).

  • Lightheaded or dizziness when standing.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.


Who to Call

If you have questions or concerns within 24 hours of your ERCP, call the number below. After 24 hours, call your referring doctor.

GI Procedure Center
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
(608) 263-8094

After clinic hours, call (608) 262-0486. This number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.