Impacted Gallstone (ERCP With Sphincterotomy Risks)

Occasionally following ERCP with spincterotomy, a stone or basket will become stuck in a bile duct. Sometimes, this can be taken care of during the ERCP, but othertimes, a plastic tube, or drain, will be placed into the area. One end of the drain stays at the blocked site while the other end exits out of the nostril. This allows for fluid to be drained from the impacted site. A few days later, after the swelling has decreased, it is possible to remove the stone and basket during another ERCP. Rarely, surgery is needed.