The Prince Charles Hospital introduces less invasive option for patients

Patients on Brisbane’s north are benefiting from a less invasive procedure targeting common issues with the liver, pancreas, and gall bladder.

The Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatogram (ECRP) Service began at the Hospital in April 2023 and is already increasing its patient load.

“This is a good option for patients experiencing problems such as gall stones that would otherwise require a more invasive surgery and a longer hospital stay,” said gastroenterologist Dr Aditya Agarwal.

“Each ERCP procedure is performed by an endoscopist, anaesthetist, anaesthetic technician, a nursing team, and radiographer.

“It requires a multidisciplinary team but allows an increased recovery time for patients.”

Each procedure takes under an hour with patients normally discharged the following day.

“Since the service began on 21 April this year, we have seen close to 70 patients,” said Dr Agarwal.

“These range from 17 years old, up to 91 years old.

“This is a safe procedure, providing relief for patients and, so far, we’ve had great feedback.”

The service hopes to expand its fleet of duodenoscope’s in the new year allowing for an increase in capacity for patients.