Advanced Endoscopy
An endoscopic procedure to remove bile duct stones, relieve blockages and place stents - treating jaundice and cholangitis without open surgery.
Overview
ERCP combines endoscopy with X-ray imaging to examine and treat the bile ducts and pancreatic duct. A side-viewing endoscope is passed to the duodenum, where the bile duct opens. A thin catheter is passed into the duct and a contrast dye shows any stones, narrowing or blockage on X-ray.
Most ERCPs today are therapeutic: stones can be removed, narrowed ducts dilated, and plastic or metal stents placed to drain bile and relieve jaundice.
Where: Hospital-based procedure, performed by Dr. Anikhindi at Apollo Hospitals. Consultation and planning at Medigest.
Advanced Endoscopy
ERCP is mainly used for treatment. The most common reason is a stone that has moved from the gallbladder into the common bile duct, causing pain, jaundice or infection (cholangitis). Other reasons include narrowing of the bile duct, bile leaks after surgery, and blockage from tumours of the pancreas or bile ducts, where a stent can relieve jaundice.
ERCP is a specialised procedure with a higher risk than routine endoscopy. The most common complication is pancreatitis; others include bleeding, infection and, rarely, perforation. The team takes steps to reduce these risks and explains them before the procedure.
If the bile duct stone came from the gallbladder, removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is usually advised afterwards to prevent repeat episodes. The doctor will discuss the timing with you and a surgeon.
Dr. Shrihari Anikhindi performs ERCP at Apollo Hospitals as a hospital-based procedure. Consultation, review of your scans and follow-up can be done at Medigest, West Punjabi Bagh, or online.
You will need blood tests, including liver tests and a clotting profile, and a review of medicines such as blood thinners and diabetes tablets. Fast for six to eight hours before the procedure. Bring recent ultrasound, CT or MRCP reports, and tell the team about any allergy to contrast dye. Plan for a family member to stay with you, as you may be observed overnight.
Book a consultation or request an online consultation to discuss whether ERCP is right for you.
Before & after
General guidance - the clinic gives you personalised instructions when you book.
On the day
Given under sedation or anaesthesia care with monitoring.
The duct is accessed through the duodenum and imaged with contrast.
Stones removed, ducts opened or stents placed as needed.
Monitoring for a few hours or overnight.
FAQ
ERCP uses a special endoscope together with X-rays to treat the bile and pancreatic ducts. It is more specialised than a routine endoscopy.
Like any procedure it carries risks, the most common being pancreatitis. The doctor explains risks and benefits before the procedure.
Most procedures take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on what needs to be done. Stone removal from a difficult duct or stenting a narrowing may take longer.
When ERCP relieves a blockage, bile can drain again and jaundice usually improves over days to weeks. The doctor follows your blood tests to check the improvement.
Plastic stents are usually changed or removed after a few months. Some metal stents are left in place. You will be told the plan for your stent before you leave hospital.
Book a consultation first by phone, WhatsApp or the online form. Hospital-based procedure, performed by Dr. Anikhindi at Apollo Hospitals. Consultation and planning at Medigest. The clinic will share preparation instructions.
The cost depends on what is done (stone removal, stent type, lithotripsy), the hospital, the room category and the length of stay. After reviewing your ultrasound, CT or MRCP reports, the clinic gives an estimate. ERCP is a hospital procedure and is usually covered by health insurance.
Related
Ultrasound from inside the digestive tract for close-up images of the pancreas, bile ducts and GI wall - with needle biopsy or drainage in the same sitting.
Learn moreHospital-basedA miniature camera inside the bile duct for direct viewing - to break difficult stones and take targeted biopsies of narrowings.
Learn moreHospital-basedMinimally invasive endoscopic treatment for early cancers, large polyps and swallowing disorders such as achalasia - without open surgery in suitable patients.
Learn moreAppointments
Visit the clinic in West Punjabi Bagh, or book an online consultation from home.
