Written by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD. Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats the digestive system, usually performs ERCP. Doctors who have special training in ERCP perform it at a hospital or outpatient center. ERCP is a procedure that finds and treats problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
ERCP is short for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. It combines upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and x-rays to find and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. Bile ducts are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors use ERCP to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts. They also use it to diagnose these problems if they expect to treat them during the procedure.
How to prepare
To prepare, talk with your doctor, arrange a ride home, and avoid eating or drinking before the procedure.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, including aspirin and blood thinners.
- You may need to adjust or stop some medicines for a short time. Talk with your doctor about which ones.
- Plan a ride home, because the sedative needs time to wear off before you drive.
- Follow your doctor's exact instructions about eating and drinking.
What happens during it
You will get a sedative, a medicine to help you relax, through an IV needle in your arm or hand. The doctor passes the endoscope down your esophagus and into your stomach and duodenum. The duodenum is the part of the small intestine that is closest to the stomach.
The doctor then slides a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through the endoscope and into the bile and pancreatic ducts. A special dye is injected through the catheter so the ducts show up on x-rays. The doctor may pass tiny tools through the endoscope to treat problems or take small tissue samples.
Recovery
After ERCP, you may have bloating, nausea, or a sore throat for a short time. You can expect to stay for 2 to 6 hours so the sedative or anesthesia can wear off. Some people may need to stay overnight. Some results are available right away. If the doctor took tissue samples, a pathologist will examine them, and results may take a few days or longer.
Do only light activity on the first day and avoid heavy lifting for the first 48 hours.
Contact your provider if you have any of the following.
- Abdominal pain or severe bloating.
- Bleeding from the rectum or black stools.
- A fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).
- Nausea or vomiting.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
The risks of ERCP may include the following.
- Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be very serious.
- Infection of the bile ducts or gallbladder.
- Excessive bleeding.
- A hole, called a perforation, in the bile or pancreatic ducts or in the duodenum.
- An abnormal reaction to the sedative, including breathing or heart problems.
These problems occur in about 5% to 10% of ERCP procedures. People with complications often need treatment at a hospital.
Who performs it
Doctors who have special training in ERCP perform it at a hospital or outpatient center.
Common questions
What medicine is used during ERCP?
You will be given a sedative, which is medicine to help you stay relaxed and comfortable. In some cases, you may receive general anesthesia.
Is ERCP used only to find problems?
No, doctors use ERCP to treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
How long will I stay after ERCP?
You can expect to stay at the hospital or outpatient center for 2 to 6 hours after the procedure.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - ERCP
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
