"ERCP operation"

Last week (at Watford General Hospital) I had an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography operation to remove the Gall stones obstructing my Bile Duct.

Beforehand I was given detailed information about the procedure (including the small but real risk of the operation causing a rupture leading to pancreatitis). the operation was conducted efficiently and I was able to leave hospital the following day.

In the operation they pass an endoscope though your mouth with a camera to investigate the bile duct then pass down instruments to widen the duct so the stones can be freed. I was conscious though lightly sedated during the operation and did not find it a particularly unpleasant or painful procedure. They spray the back of your throat with an anesthetic which stops the gag reflex and there was very little discomfort or pain.

The surgical team (there were about 8 people in the operating theatre) were pleasant, let me know what was happening kept me at ease