From the Research
No, it is not reasonable to let someone with hepatic duct dilatation go without close monitoring while awaiting ERCP, as this condition may indicate a biliary obstruction that can lead to serious complications such as cholangitis, liver damage, or pancreatitis if left unmonitored 1. Patients with hepatic duct dilatation should be monitored regularly through:
- Clinical assessments
- Laboratory tests (liver function tests, bilirubin levels)
- Imaging studies as needed Monitoring frequency depends on symptom severity and underlying cause, typically ranging from weekly to monthly evaluations. While awaiting ERCP, patients should be instructed to immediately report worsening symptoms such as:
- Increased jaundice
- Fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Changes in urine/stool color The obstruction may be caused by gallstones, strictures, tumors, or other conditions that could progress rapidly 2. Close monitoring allows for timely intervention if the patient's condition deteriorates, potentially preventing life-threatening complications and ensuring optimal timing for the ERCP procedure. A study from 3 highlights the significance of unexplained dilated common bile duct at ERCP, emphasizing the need for close follow-up in such cases.