An ERCP clinic visit helps your gastroenterology team review symptoms, lab results, imaging, and medical history to decide whether ERCP is the right diagnostic or treatment option for a bile duct or pancreatic duct concern.
ERCP clinic planning
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated 06-01-2026Your visit usually focuses on why ERCP is being considered, whether other imaging has already been done, and whether the benefits of duct evaluation or treatment outweigh the risks.
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| Step | What usually happens | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Several days before | Medication and health-history review, prep prescription confirmation, and diet planning. | Helps reduce avoidable delays and improves safety planning. |
| Day before | Clear-liquid diet and bowel preparation are usually completed according to your instructions. | A clean colon improves visibility and helps detect small polyps. |
| Procedure day | Check-in, consent, sedation support, colon examination, possible biopsy or polyp removal. | Allows the care team to complete the exam and respond to findings. |
| After the procedure | Recovery monitoring, discharge instructions, initial findings, and pathology follow-up if needed. | Helps you understand results, warning signs, and the next recommended interval. |
Patient evaluation and decision to proceed with colonoscopy screening based on symptoms and risk factors.
Bowel preparation protocol initiated to ensure complete cleansing for accurate diagnostic visibility.
GI specialist performs colonoscopy with sedation support and direct visualization of the colon.
Results analyzed including polyps, inflammation, bleeding sources, and biopsy recommendations if needed.
Personalized care plan created based on findings, history, and long-term digestive health strategy.
Follow-up depends on why ERCP is recommended and what is found during the procedure.
Watch this ERCP overview, then follow the written instructions from your GastroDoxs care team for your exact fasting, medication guidance, sedation planning, arrival time, and recovery instructions.
Watch this ERCP overview, then follow the written instructions from your GastroDoxs care team for your exact fasting, medication guidance, sedation planning, arrival time, and recovery instructions.
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Want procedure-day details? Review the full guide for ERCP preparation, sedation, procedure-day expectations, recovery, and how findings such as bile duct stones, narrowing, or blockage may be discussed. Read what to expect during ERCP |
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Ready to discuss ERCP scheduling? If your doctor has recommended ERCP or you have symptoms, labs, or imaging that suggest a bile duct or pancreatic duct concern, use the scheduling page to understand appointment options. See ERCP scheduling options |
Clinics that coordinate ERCP should be able to evaluate whether diagnostic review or treatment may be needed. ERCP itself is often performed in a setting equipped for sedation, imaging, and duct-based intervention.
ERCP treatment is used for selected bile duct and pancreatic duct problems, including stones, strictures, leaks, blocked ducts, and stent placement when a duct needs drainage or support.
ERCP is not open surgery. It is an advanced endoscopic procedure, but it can still carry risks and should be planned with a specialist who understands bile duct and pancreatic duct disease.
Many ERCP procedures are outpatient or same-day procedures, but some patients may need hospital observation depending on their condition, procedure complexity, infection risk, pancreatitis risk, or recovery after sedation.
ERCP may be used in pancreatitis when there is a suspected obstructing bile duct stone, duct blockage, or specific pancreatic duct issue. It is not needed for every case of pancreatitis.
Some patients have temporary throat soreness, bloating, or mild discomfort after ERCP. Severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, black stools, or worsening symptoms should be reported urgently.
An ERCP clinic evaluates symptoms, labs, imaging, and medical history to decide whether ERCP is appropriate. The actual procedure is usually coordinated in a procedure setting with advanced endoscopy support.
Look for a gastroenterology practice that evaluates bile duct, pancreatic duct, jaundice, gallstone, and pancreatitis concerns, and ask whether ERCP coordination and specialist interpretation are available.
A regular GI office may evaluate digestive symptoms, while an ERCP-focused clinic or advanced endoscopy program specifically reviews duct-related problems and coordinates ERCP when medically appropriate.
Ask why ERCP is being considered, what imaging or lab results are needed, whether treatment may be performed, what risks apply to you, how sedation works, and what follow-up will be needed.
If ERCP has been recommended or your imaging suggests a duct problem, a gastroenterology visit can help confirm whether ERCP is appropriate and how to prepare.