NMR bile ducts/pancreas (MRCP)

With an MRCP (nuclear magnetic resonance), we image the bile ducts and pancreas using a magnetic field and radio waves. Thus, we obtain 3D images of the inside of these organs and can detect abnormalities of the gallbladder, bile ducts and in the case of gallstones. No X-rays are used in an NMR examination. The examination can be considered harmless.

Plan your appointment

Call for an appointment 011 69 92 75

Course of the examination

An NMR examination of the bile ducts and pancreas takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is not painful.

  • Because of the strength of the magnet, you should not approach the device with metal objects (coins, needles, jewelry, keys ...) or with magnetic cards (bank card, health insurance card, parking card ...). You can leave your belongings in the changing room.
  • In the examination room, you will be installed as comfortably as possible on the examination table. Along with antennas that allow us to take the images.
  • At the start of the examination, you'll slide slowly on your back into the magnetic tunnel that is open both at the front and the back. This tunnel is very well lit and ventilated.
  • The medical team is outside the examination room. You can see them clearly through a window and through a camera. Through an intercom system they can hear you. During the examination you can always contact them with a push button.
  • During the examination you'll regularly hear knocking sounds.
  • You will be given headphones to protect you from these sounds and you can listen to music.
  • You are absolutely not allowed to move. 

The radiologist makes an initial interpretation of the images during the examination. After the final interpretation, he/she sends a report to the doctor who requested the examination. Only this doctor can discuss the results with you.

An NMR examination is only possible by appointment. Please always bring your identity card and the request from your doctor.

You must register in advance at the registration desk in the central entrance hall.

Preparation

For this examination, you must be sober for at least 4 hours before the examination. 
The presence of food in the stomach triggers the production of digestive juices. This disturbs the image, so we cannot perform the examination in optimal conditions.

Please remove all metal objects and jewelry before starting the examination and leave them in the changing room. 

For this examination, you must first carefully fill out a complete questionnaire .

Important things to report for an NMR exam:

  • that you have a pacemaker or an artificial valve of the heart.
  • that you have undergone a major surgery.
  • that you have had surgery on the eye or brain.
  • that you are pregnant.

In all these cases, you ll notify the doctor or radiology nurse before the examination starts.

This examination is only possible by appointment. Please always bring your identity card, your doctor's prescription and any previous radiological examinations.

Aftercare

No specific aftercare is required.

Department

Radiology

Plan your appointment

Call for an appointment 011 69 92 75