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SOUTH DENVER GASTROENTEROLOGY, P.C.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP): What to Expect at Home
in Denver

Your Recovery

After you have an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP), you probably will stay at the hospital or clinic for 1 to 2 hours.

This will allow the medicine to wear off. You will be able to go home after your doctor or a nurse checks to make sure you are not having any problems.

If you stay in the hospital overnight, you may go home the next day.

You may have a sore throat for a day or two after the procedure.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
  • You pass maroon or bloody stools.

Call your doctor now or go to the emergency room if:

  • You have trouble swallowing.
  • You have belly pain.
  • Your stools are black and tarlike or have streaks of blood.
  • You are sick to your stomach and cannot drink fluids.
  • You have a fever.
  • You have pain that does not get better after you take your pain medicine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your throat still hurts after a day or two.
  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to the Patient Portal, log in, and enter W326 in the search box to learn more about Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP): What to Expect at Home.

Care instructions adapted under license by South Denver GI. This care instruction is for use with your licensed health care professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your health care professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.