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Overview
This procedure is used to examine the duodenum, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. The physician uses a small camera, called an endoscope, which is guided down the throat. The procedure usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour.
Preparation
The patient lies down on his or her side. A sedative is administered, and a local anesthetic is sprayed into the mouth to help relieve the gag reflex. A mouth guard is inserted to protect the teeth.
Inserting the Endoscope
The endoscope is carefully advanced down the esophagus and into the stomach and duodenum. Air may be pumped through the endoscope to create room for the scope to maneuver. The endoscope is pushed into the papilla, where the ducts from the pancreas and gallbladder drain into the duodenum.
X-Ray Examination
A catheter is fed through the endoscope and into the papilla. Contrast dye is injected to help improve x-ray clarity. The catheter is removed and several x-rays are taken. Small tissue samples may be taken for further examination.
Removing Gallstones
If the x-rays reveal gallstones in the bile ducts, tools can be inserted through the endoscope to remove the stones.
End of Procedure and After Care
The endoscope is slowly removed from the esophagus. The patient is carefully observed after the procedure, and eating and drinking is restricted until the anesthetic wears off and the gag reflex returns. The patient may experience some cramping, bloating, or gas after the procedure.
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