What to expect with an ERCP?

[Mistee]

I had my gallbladder removed in November of last year but sadly my symptoms didn't improve at all.

A recent endoscopic ultrasound confirmed a stone remains in my bile duct and this is to be removed by ERCP.

I've not been able to find much online to explain what happens during the procedure, whether I'm likely experience pain during and after or just discomfort and whether I'm likely to need to arrange more than 2 days off work. I have a very vague recolection of my specialist explaining all of this after the endoscopy but I'd had sedation and really can't remember what he said 🙈

I'd really appreciate it if anyone who has had stones removed this way could tell me about your experiences?

Thanks x

[22buteo22]

Hi Mistee, I've had this procedure because I had a stone in my bile duct that wouldn't budge using another procedure. I had it done in a hospital in Norwich.

I was given light anaesthetic so didn't know anything about what was going on. You'll spend a few hours in a recovery room before being allowed home.

I had my procedure before I had my gallbladder removed. It seems a bit unusual that the stone in your gallbladder wasn't found before you had your gallbladder was removed. I do hope things go well for you as I know how awful gallbladder pain is!

All the best - Annie x

[Mistee in reply to 22buteo22]

Hi Annie,

Thank you very much for this! Yea my surgeon was surprised to find it there too, but I suppose it's the small downside of laprosco pic surgery vs. open surgery as they can't feel around to make sure they've got everything. It seems to be a sneaky little thing, it shows up on some scans and MRI's but not on others. If it had shown up during the original operation or even on the MRI I had in the summer, it would have been removed by now.

Now I just have to hope the waiting list for the ERCP isn't too long, but I've waited 3m for the EUS so I'm guessing it's going to be another 3m 😩

Thank you

Leigh

[Scotsman53]

This might be helpful... patient.info/digestive-heal...

[Sumaguru]

Hi Mistee. I had ERCP some years ago and it was just like having an Endoscopy but a bit deeper. You can be sedated if you want. I also had a stent put in my bile duct because stones continued to form in my bile duct. On the whole the experience was fine for me so I wish you all the best.

[Tjwa]

Hi Mistee It's so good they have found the reason for your continued pain and symptoms.

I had my gallbladder out 11 years ago.

Good luck with the stone removal.