Carren ApolinarioNCM 106BSN 4

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) test checks the tubes (ducts) that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas . A flexible, lighted scope (endoscope) and X-ray pictures are used.The scope is put through the mouth and gently moved down the throat. It goes into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum until it reaches the point where the ducts from the pancreas and gallbladder drain into the duodenum. X-rays will then be taken.ERCP can treat certain problems found during the test. In some cases, your doctor can insert small tools through the scope to: Take a sample of tissue (biopsy) from an abnormal growth. Then it can be checked for problems. Remove a gallstone in the common bile duct. Open a narrowed bile duct. A narrowed bile duct can be opened by inserting a small wire-mesh or plastic tube (called a stent) in the duct. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) ProcedureUnlike conventional x-ray examinations and computed tomography (CT) scans, MRI does not utilize on ionizing radiation. Instead, radio waves redirect alignment of hydrogen atoms that naturally exist within the body while you are in the scanner without causing any chemical changes in the tissues. As the hydrogen atoms return to their usual alignment, they emit energy that varies according to the type of body tissue from which they come. The MR scanner captures this energy and creates a picture of the tissues scanned based on this information.The magnetic field is produced by passing an electric current through wire coils in most MRI units. Other coils, located in the machine and in some cases, placed around the part of the body being imaged, send and receive radio waves, producing signals that are detected by the coils.A computer then processes the signals and generates a series of images, each of which shows a thin slice of the body. The images can then be studied from different angles by the interpreting radiologist.Frequently, the differentiation of abnormal (diseased) tissue from normal tissues is better with MRI than with other imaging modalities such as x-ray, CT and ultrasound.

MRI examinations may be performed on outpatients or inpatients.You will be positioned on the moveable examination table. Straps and bolsters may be used to help you stay still and maintain the correct position during imaging.Devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.If a contrast material will be used in the MRI exam, a physician, nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) catheter, also known as an IV line, into a vein in your hand or arm. A saline solution may be used to inject the contrast material. The solution will drip through the IV to prevent blockage of the IV catheter until the contrast material is injected.You will be placed into the magnet of the MRI unit and the radiologist and technologist will perform the examination while working at a computer outside of the room.If a contrast material is used during the examination, it will be injected into the intravenous line (IV) after an initial series of scans. Additional series of images will be taken during or following the injection.The actual MRCP exam takes about 10 minutes, but it is often performed with a standard MRI of the abdomen, which may last approximately 30 minutes and involves the use of contrast material. In this case, the entire examination is usually completed within 45 minutes.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis A caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) Hepatitis B caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) Hepatitis C caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV)

HAV is found in the feces (poop) of people with hepatitis A and is usually spread by close personal contact (including sex or living in the same household). It can also be spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated with HAV and by traveling internationally where HAV infection is occurring. HBV is found in blood and certain body fluids. The virus is spread when blood or body fluid from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not immune. HBV is spread through having unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles or works when shooting drugs, exposure to needlesticks or sharps on the job, or from an infected mother to her baby during birth. Exposure to infected blood in ANY situation can be a risk for transmission. HCV is found in blood and certain body fluids. Thevirus is spread when blood or body fluid from an HCV- infected person enters another persons body. HCV is spread through sharing needles or works when shoot- ing drugs, through exposure to needlesticks or sharps on the job, or sometimes from an infected mother to her baby during birth. It is possible to transmit HCV during sex, but it is not common.