Medical Information
This examination allows the bile ducts and pancreas to be studied. It is used when other tests are insufficient to determine the cause of biliary or pancreatic disorders.
It can reveal stones, tumoral or inflammatory narrowing, or other rarer diseases of the bile ducts or pancreas. Finally, it may allow treatment of certain conditions as an alternative or in addition to surgery.
The bile and pancreatic ducts drain into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) through a sphincter and an opening called the papilla. The procedure uses a flexible instrument called an endoscope, which is inserted through the mouth into the duodenum. It is performed in an X-ray room. The diagnostic phase involves inserting a catheter through the endoscope into the papilla and injecting contrast dye into the bile and/or pancreatic ducts. X-rays are then taken. After imaging, treatment may be performed during the same session. The first step usually involves cutting the sphincter using an electric scalpel (endoscopic sphincterotomy). Then, stones may be removed using a basket or balloon, sometimes after being fragmented first. If a narrowing is present, it can be widened using a balloon or dilator, or a stent (temporary or permanent) may be placed.
Sometimes the procedure must be repeated to complete treatment, after discussing therapeutic options. Between patients, and according to current regulations, the endoscope is disinfected and all accessories are either sterilized or discarded (single-use equipment). These procedures are standard to prevent infection transmission. To improve tolerance, general anesthesia is often used. The anesthesiologist will answer any questions regarding their role. This examination is usually performed in a hospital setting for monitoring.
You must be strictly fasting (no food, drink, or smoking) for 6 hours before the procedure.
Any medical procedure, even when performed under safe and regulated conditions, carries a risk of complications.
Complications of diagnostic catheterization are rare when only imaging is performed. They include acute pancreatitis, perforation, or infection of the bile ducts or gallbladder.
Complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy and associated treatments are more frequent: acute pancreatitis, infection of the bile ducts or gallbladder, perforation of the digestive tract, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Each occurs in about 1% of cases.
Other complications, such as cardiovascular or respiratory problems, are exceptional.
These risks may be increased by your medical or surgical history or by certain medications.
All complications may require prolonged hospitalization or surgery. Bleeding may require blood transfusions or blood products.
Most complications occur during the procedure, but they may also appear a few days later (abdominal pain, jaundice, blood in stool, fever, chills, etc.).
In such cases, it is important to immediately contact the doctor and/or anesthesiologist who performed the procedure at: 02/434 81 05
If you are unable to reach them, you should contact your general practitioner as soon as possible.