Ghatkopar (East), Mumbai)
Home > Gastroenterology > ERCP Bile Duct Procedure
ERCP Bile Duct Procedure in Mumbai
Expert Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Bile Duct Conditions
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a specialised endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas.
At Shree Hospitals, our expert gastroenterologists perform ERCP with precision to relieve bile duct obstruction, remove stones, and manage pancreatic conditions without open surgery.
Bile Duct Obstruction? Get Expert ERCP Assessment Today
Quick facts
Procedure Type: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopic Procedure
Duration: 30 to 90 minutes
Hospital Stay: 1 to 2 days
Type of Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia or deep sedation
Indication: Bile duct stones, strictures, biliary obstruction, pancreatitis
Support Team: Gastroenterologists, radiologists, anaesthetists, scrub nurses
Key Benefit: Non-surgical removal of bile duct stones and relief of biliary obstruction
What is ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)?
ERCP is a specialised endoscopic procedure that combines endoscopy and X-ray fluoroscopy to examine and treat conditions of the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the duodenum (upper small intestine) and a thin tube called a cannula is guided into the bile duct opening (ampulla of Vater).
Once inside the bile duct system, contrast dye is injected and X-ray images (cholangiogram) are taken to identify blockages, stones, strictures, or other abnormalities. ERCP can then be used to perform therapeutic procedures including stone removal (choledocholithiasis), biliary stent placement for strictures, sphincterotomy (cutting of the bile duct sphincter), and tissue biopsy for cancer assessment.
At Shree Hospitals, ERCP is performed by highly trained gastroenterologists in a fluoroscopy-equipped endoscopy suite. The procedure is performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure maximum patient comfort and safety. Our ERCP team has extensive experience managing both straightforward and complex biliary and pancreatic conditions.
When Should You Consult a Gastroenterologist for ERCP?
You should seek specialist evaluation if you experience:
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) with suspected bile duct obstruction
- Severe upper abdominal pain with fever and chills (Charcot's triad)
- Elevated liver enzymes (bilirubin, ALP, GGT) on blood tests
- Diagnosed bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis) on imaging
- Recurrent pancreatitis requiring biliary assessment
Early biliary intervention prevents life-threatening complications including cholangitis and sepsis.
Is ERCP Right for You?
ERCP may be the right treatment if you have:
- Bile duct stones confirmed on ultrasound, CT, or MRCP
- Bile duct stricture causing jaundice or cholangitis
- Post-surgical bile leak requiring stent placement
- Pancreatic duct obstruction causing pain or pancreatitis
- Suspected biliary or pancreatic cancer requiring tissue biopsy for diagnosis
Our specialists will review your imaging and clinical history to determine whether ERCP is the most appropriate intervention.
Why Expert ERCP Treatment Matters?
ERCP avoids open surgery for most bile duct conditions. Expert endoscopic biliary intervention:
- Removes bile duct stones preventing life-threatening cholangitis
- Relieves jaundice rapidly through stent placement
- Prevents liver damage from prolonged biliary obstruction
- Performed with fluoroscopy guidance ensuring safety and accuracy
- Achieves 90%+ success for stone removal without surgical risk
ERCP successfully removes bile duct stones in over 90% of cases without the need for surgery.
24×7 Emergency Care
Our Approach to ERCP
At Shree Hospitals, our ERCP team combines expert endoscopic technique with fluoroscopic imaging and anaesthetic support to deliver the highest standards of biliary and pancreatic endoscopic care.
Every ERCP is individually planned based on pre-procedure imaging, and outcomes are closely monitored with structured post-procedure follow-up.
24×7 Emergency Care
Thorough Pre-ERCP Imaging Assessment
Before performing ERCP, our gastroenterologists review ultrasound, CT, or MRCP imaging to identify the location, size, and nature of the bile duct problem. Accurate pre-procedure planning improves success rates and reduces procedure time and risk.
Fluoroscopy-Guided Endoscopic Technique
ERCP at Shree Hospitals is performed using real-time X-ray fluoroscopy alongside endoscopy to visualise the bile and pancreatic duct systems with precision. This allows accurate stone clearance, stent positioning, and tissue sampling throughout the procedure.
Full Range of Biliary Therapeutic Options
Our ERCP team can perform sphincterotomy, stone extraction, balloon or basket stone removal, biliary stent placement (plastic or metal), nasobiliary drainage, and pancreatic duct stenting as required based on intraoperative findings.
Post-ERCP Monitoring and Follow-Up
After ERCP, patients are monitored for potential complications including post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding, and cholangitis. A follow-up plan is arranged to review stent exchanges (if required), confirm stone clearance, and manage the underlying biliary or pancreatic condition long-term.
Top Gastroenterologists in Mumbai at Shree Hospitals
Every specialist at Shree Hospitals is board-certified and has an average of 15+ years of clinical experience in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, colonoscopy, and gastrointestinal disease management.
24×7 Emergency Care
Dr. Keyur A. Sheth
Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Advanced GI
Dr. Sandeep Kirit Davavala
Gastroenterology, Therapeutic Endoscopy
Gastroenterology Services at Shree Hospitals
We offer a comprehensive range of gastroenterology and hepatology services including ERCP, endoscopy, colonoscopy, liver biopsy, antiviral therapy for hepatitis, endoscopic banding, and IBD management, all supported by specialist gastroenterologists and a fully equipped endoscopy and fluoroscopy suite.
Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
High-definition upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy for accurate diagnosis and treatment of digestive conditions. Biopsies, polyp removal, and therapeutic procedures are performed at the same session without the need for further intervention.
Liver Biopsy
Definitive ultrasound-guided liver tissue diagnosis for accurate staging of liver disease and fibrosis. Results guide antiviral, immunosuppressive, or other treatment decisions for chronic liver conditions.
Antiviral Therapy (Hepatitis)
Evidence-based antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B and C. Modern direct-acting antiviral therapy cures hepatitis C in over 95% of patients within 8 to 12 weeks, preventing cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Polypectomy (Colon Polyp Removal)
Safe and effective endoscopic removal of colon polyps during colonoscopy. Removing pre-cancerous adenomatous polyps reduces colorectal cancer risk by up to 80% without the need for surgery.
Step by Step Process of ERCP at Shree Hospitals
Hundreds of successful ERCP procedures performed by our specialists over 25+ years
Step 1 - Clinical Assessment and Imaging Review
Your gastroenterologist reviews your symptoms, blood tests (liver function, bilirubin, amylase), and imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRCP). The indication for ERCP is confirmed and the specific therapeutic objectives (stone removal, stent placement, biopsy) are planned.
Step 2 - Pre-Procedure Preparation
You are admitted and prepared for the procedure with IV access, blood tests, and an anaesthetic assessment. You will need to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Blood thinning medications are reviewed and adjusted as required.
Step 3 - Endoscopic Access to the Bile Duct
Under general anaesthesia or deep sedation, the endoscope is passed through the mouth into the duodenum. The ampulla of Vater (the opening of the bile duct into the duodenum) is identified and cannulated using a thin catheter under fluoroscopic guidance.
Step 4 - Diagnostic Cholangiogram Contrast dye is injected into the bile duct system and X-ray images are taken to visualise stones, strictures, dilations, or other abnormalities. The pancreatic duct can also be visualised if required. The images guide the therapeutic plan.
Step 5 - Therapeutic Intervention Based on findings, the required therapeutic intervention is performed. A sphincterotomy (small cut in the bile duct sphincter) is made to allow stone removal or stent placement. Stones are removed using a balloon or basket. Stents are deployed to relieve strictures or drainage problems. Biopsies are taken if cancer is suspected.
Step 6 - Recovery and Post-Procedure Monitoring
You are monitored in the recovery area for 2 to 4 hours and then transferred to the ward for overnight observation. Blood tests (amylase, lipase) are checked to screen for post-ERCP pancreatitis. You are discharged with a clear follow-up plan for stent exchange (if applicable) and ongoing management.
Patient Questions About ERCP
Is ERCP safe?
ERCP is a safe and well-established procedure when performed by experienced gastroenterologists. The most common complication is post-ERCP pancreatitis, which occurs in approximately 3 to 5% of cases and is usually mild and self-limiting. Other rare complications include bleeding, infection (cholangitis), and bile duct perforation. Your gastroenterologist will discuss the specific risks relevant to your case before the procedure. The benefits of ERCP in treating bile duct conditions significantly outweigh the risks for most patients.
How do I prepare for ERCP?
You will need to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Blood thinning medications (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) may need to be temporarily stopped. IV antibiotics are given before the procedure if you have an active biliary infection. On arrival you will have blood tests, an anaesthetic assessment, and IV access placed before the procedure begins.
What happens after ERCP?
After the procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery area and then on the ward. You can usually eat and drink within 2 to 4 hours if there are no complications. A blood test is checked to monitor for pancreatitis. Most patients are discharged the following day with a follow-up appointment to review stent placement (if applicable) and confirm stone clearance.
What are the alternatives to ERCP for bile duct stones?
For patients in whom ERCP is not possible or fails, alternatives include surgical bile duct exploration (open or laparoscopic choledochotomy) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) where access is gained through the skin and liver. However, ERCP remains the least invasive and most successful first-line option for the vast majority of bile duct stone cases. Your specialist will discuss all options with you.
Evidence-Based Case Studies
Would Recommend Us
"I was admitted with severe jaundice and abdominal pain. The ERCP team at Shree Hospitals removed three stones from my bile duct the next morning. Within 48 hours my jaundice was clearing and I was discharged feeling so much better."
Mr. Balakrishnan N.
"My jaundice was caused by a tumour blocking the bile duct. The ERCP team inserted a stent which relieved the blockage rapidly. I felt significantly better within days and was able to proceed with further cancer treatment."
Mrs. Indira M.
"I was critically ill with a bile duct infection. The gastroenterology team at Shree Hospitals performed emergency ERCP within hours of admission and drained the infection. I made a full and rapid recovery. Exceptional care."
Mr. Govind S.
Patient
Resources
Schedule
consultation
Billing &
Payments
Hospital
Facilities
24×7 Emergency Care
1800-268-4000
Follow Us
Shree
Hospitals
Shree
Hospitals
