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What are the possible after effects of the procedure?

It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort immediately following the procedure due to air in the stomach. This is usually mild and will soon pass with the help of warm drinks, walking around, drinking peppermint water or eating sweets. Very rarely, more severe abdominal pain, sickness or a temperature may occur due to inflammation of the pancreas. This condition is called pancreatitis and may require a few days stay in hospital for fluids and pain relief. If your procedure was being performed as a day case and pain develops later, consult your own doctor or contact the Lady Sobell GI Unit (Wexham Park patients) or Surgical emergency unit (Frimley Park patients) using the number given overleaf.

What are the after effects of the sedative injection?

If you have had a sedative injection, your mental ability to think clearly and make decisions may be affected for up to 24 hours after the procedure even though you feel wide-awake. For this reason, you must have someone who can take you home and look after you for the rest of the day. However, you may resume eating as normal.

For 24 hours after your procedure, you must not:
•    Drive
•    Operate potentially dangerous machinery
•    Use potentially dangerous appliances such as a cooker or kettle
•    Have a bath unsupervised
•    Look after dependants on your own
•    Go to work
•    Sign any legal documents
•    Drink any alcohol
•    Take sleeping tablets or recreational drugs

Eating and Drinking

It is advisable to avoid large or rich meals for the rest of the day following your procedure. You will be kept nil by mouth for 4 hours post procedure and afterwards we recommend a light diet for the rest of the day. A mildly sore throat is not unusual and should resolve within 24 hours. It may help to suck lozenges.

Medications

You may resume normal medications immediately after your ERCP. Please ask if you are not sure if your medication will be safe to take with the sedation.

When to seek help after the test

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are worried about any symptoms you experience after this test. If you experience severe abdominal pain, if you pass black tarry stools, if you have a fever or hot and cold sweats, please seek help immediately. 
If you are concerned or distressed by the symptoms, the priority will be to return to hospital to be seen in the Emergency Department. However, if there is time and you or a family member are able, please also consider the following options:

Within office hours, telephone the unit in which your procedure was done: 

For out of hours: 

  • Frimley Park Hospital: Surgical Emergency Unit on 07990 528061
  • Wexham Park Hospital: Ward 11 on 07826 921319
  • Or please contact your GP, 111 or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E)

If you are experiencing the complications below, please attend the Emergency Department at Wexham Park Hospital or Frimley Park Hospital:

  • pain, fever, palpitations and chest pain
  • neck swelling or difficulty swallowing
  • vomiting, particularly if bloody or black (like coffee grounds)

Please present your Endoscopy report to the attending Clinician in the Emergency Department.

Follow up Information

  • A copy of your endoscopy report will be given to you on discharge and you will be able to find a copy on MyFrimleyHealthApp.
  • A copy of your endoscopy report will be sent to your GP.
  • You will be informed of the follow up plan on discharge and this will be mentioned in the report.
  • If you have had a biopsy, the results will be reviewed by your endoscopist in 2 to 6 weeks’ time (depending on urgency) and a copy of the report will be sent to you or your GP. You will be contacted if further action is necessary. Please note, unfortunately we cannot give results over the telephone.

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Endoscopy service.

About this information

Service:
Endoscopy

Reference:
H/002

Approval date:
17 January 2025

Review date:
1 January 2027

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This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.