Location of the Procedure

MetroHealth Medical Center
Endoscopy Suite
2500 MetroHealth Drive
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
Turn-by-Turn Directions

Visitor Entrance and Parking Map. From Southpoint Drive:  Park in South Garage. Take the elevator up to the bridge level. Walk through the Pedestrian Bridge.  The Endoscopy Suite is located on the right.

What is an Upper ERCP?

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a special test used to diagnose diseases that affect the pancreas, bile ducts, liver, and gallbladder.

A narrow flexible tube with a light and camera is used for this test. The doctor can see the opening for the bile ducts and pancreas on the TV screen.

The doctor will inject dye into the opening and take X-ray pictures of the ducts. From these pictures, the doctor can determine which medical procedures you may need or issues you may have, such as removing gall stones.

How to Prepare for an ERCP

Your stomach must be empty. Before the test, you should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, except a small amount ( 6oz ) of clear liquids up to 4 hours before the test.
Your doctor will tell you about any changes in your medications for the day of the test. 

Important Items

• Do not stop your medication unless told to by your doctor or nurse.
• If you have an allergy to shellfish or x-ray dye, please tell your doctor.
• If you take aspirin or aspirin products, please tell your doctor.  You need to stop these 7 days before this test.
• Arthritis medication and over-the-counter Motrin, Nuprin, Advil, etc., need to be stopped 7 days before this test.
• If you take coumadin, blood thinners or medicine for diabetes, please tell your doctor.

What to Expect During an ERCP

• You will lie on your stomach for this test.
• Your doctor will give you medication through an IV to relax you.
• You may hear sounds around you, this is normal.
• It is important that you lay still and not talk during the test.
• A mouthpiece will be placed in your mouth.
• A thin flexible tube will be placed through your mouth into your stomach.
• During the test, your blood pressure and pulse will be taken frequently.
• A nurse will be with you to assist you before, during and after the test.

What to Expect After an ERCP

• After the test, you will be moved to the recovery area of the Endoscopy Suite.
• You will rest for one hour or until the effects of the medication have worn off.
• Your throat may feel sore for a couple of hours.
• You may feel fullness in your stomach because of the air used during the test.
• The doctor will discuss the results of the test with you before you leave.

You must have a responsible adult to accompany you or drive you home because of the medication given.  Your driving is restricted for 24 hours after the procedure. Your procedure will be cancelled if you do not have a responsible adult with you. If your appointment is in the afternoon, the responsible adult must be present in the waiting room during your procedure.

Test Date: ________Test Time: _________

Please call 216-778-5381 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for scheduling questions or questions regarding the procedure or preparation.

After hours, please contact The MetroHealth line at 216-778-7878. The MetroHealth Line is open 24 hours a day including weekends and holidays.

WE MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN OUR SCHEDULE; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE.  SOME PROCEDURES MAY TAKE LONGER THAN OTHERS AND OUR CASES ARE SCHEDULED TO FOLLOW ONE ANOTHER. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY DELAYS.