Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology provides advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to help patients manage complex digestive conditions. One such procedure is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a specialized technique used to examine and treat problems in the bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. ERCP allows for precise diagnosis and effective treatment in a safe, patient-focused environment.
ERCP combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging) to diagnose and treat disorders affecting the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is guided through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the small intestine. A contrast dye is then injected to make the bile and pancreatic ducts visible on X-ray images.
This technique allows our specialists to identify blockages, stones, strictures, or tumors and, in many cases, perform treatment during the same session.
Your gastroenterologist may recommend ERCP if you have symptoms or test results indicating problems with your bile or pancreatic ducts. Common reasons for this procedure include:
You will be given specific instructions on fasting and adjusting certain medications. Our team will review your medical history to ensure ERCP is safe and recommended for you.
You will receive sedation for comfort. The gastroenterologist will use the endoscope to locate the bile and pancreatic ducts, inject contrast dye, and take X-ray images. If necessary, therapeutic steps may be performed immediately.
You will be monitored as the sedation wears off. Some patients may experience a mild sore throat or bloating, which typically resolves quickly. Your care team will provide aftercare instructions and discuss the results with you.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as unexplained jaundice, abdominal pain, or digestive discomfort, Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology can help determine whether ERCP is the right choice for you. Our experienced gastroenterology team, led by Dr. Mehrdad Asgeri, is committed to providing advanced procedures like ERCP with precision, safety, and compassionate care.
You will need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Your doctor will provide specific instructions, which may include adjusting certain medications. It is important to inform your care team about any allergies, bleeding disorders, or if you are pregnant.
ERCP is typically performed under sedation or anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild throat soreness, bloating, or cramping afterward, which usually resolves within a day or two.
Most ERCP procedures take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on whether diagnostic imaging only is performed or treatment is also provided during the same session.
Although ERCP is generally safe, potential risks include pancreatitis, infection, bleeding, and perforation of the digestive tract. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
After the procedure, you will be monitored while the sedation wears off. Most patients go home the same day but will need someone to drive them. Your doctor will give you aftercare instructions and explain when you can resume normal activities.
Yes. ERCP can both diagnose and treat conditions. For example, your doctor can remove gallstones, insert stents to relieve blockages, or open narrowed ducts during the same procedure.
No. While both use an endoscope, ERCP combines endoscopy with X-ray imaging to examine and treat the bile and pancreatic ducts, whereas standard endoscopy focuses on the digestive tract lining.
In some cases, MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) or endoscopic ultrasound may be recommended as alternatives for diagnosis, but they cannot provide immediate treatment like ERCP.
Whether you’re seeking a hepatologist in Coachella, a trusted expert in stomach pain and ulcer treatment, or guidance on fatty liver disease management, Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology is here to support your long-term digestive wellness. Book a GI specialist in Coachella today and take the first step toward a healthier you.
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Led by Dr. Mehrdad Asgeri, Oasis Advanced Gastroenterology provides expert digestive care and advanced treatments for patients across Coachella Valley.
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