About Cholangiography
Key Highlights
-
Provides direct, high-resolution visualization of the bile ducts to pinpoint the exact location and cause of obstruction.Can be both diagnostic and therapeutic; during procedures like ERCP, stones can be removed or stents placed to relieve blockages.Minimally invasive options like MRCP offer detailed imaging without the need for contrast injection or radiation exposure.Essential for planning surgical or endoscopic interventions for complex biliary diseases.Helps differentiate between benign and malignant causes of bile duct narrowing.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) to identify obstructive causes.
- Suspected choledocholithiasis (gallstones in the common bile duct).
- Evaluation of bile duct strictures, which can be due to inflammation, surgery, or cancer.
- Diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis or other inflammatory bile duct diseases.
- Suspected tumors of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), pancreas, or gallbladder.
- Investigation of post-cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) complications like bile leaks or retained stones.
- Unexplained persistent right upper abdominal pain with abnormal liver function tests.
How to prepare
- Fasting is required, typically for 6-8 hours before the procedure, to ensure an empty stomach.
- Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel), which may need to be temporarily stopped.
- Disclose any allergies, particularly to iodine or contrast dye, to allow for pre-medication if needed.
- For ERCP, a sedative or general anesthesia is often used; arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
- You may be given antibiotics before the procedure to prevent infection, especially if a blockage is suspected.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and remove all jewelry.
Risks & possible complications
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is the most common complication, especially after ERCP.
- Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis) or bloodstream.
- Bleeding, particularly at the site of instrument insertion or if a sphincterotomy (cutting of a muscle) is performed.
- Perforation (a tear) in the bile duct, intestine, or duodenum.
- Adverse reaction to the contrast dye or sedative/anesthesia, including allergic reactions.
- Risks related to radiation exposure from X-rays, though minimal for a single procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off.
- You may experience a sore throat (after ERCP) or discomfort at the injection site.
- Rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for 24 hours due to sedation.
- Drink plenty of fluids and start with a light diet as tolerated.
- Watch for warning signs like severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, black stools, or worsening jaundice, and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to discuss the results and any further treatment plans.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
-
Expected recovery time: 1-3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cholangiography in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cholangiography in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cholangiography. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cholangiography compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cholangiography in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cholangiography.
Neha Kumar, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Neha Kumar, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had been experiencing persistent, dull pain in her upper right abdomen for months, accompanied by occasional nausea. Her primary care physician initially suspected gallstones, but an ultrasound was inconclusive. The pain began interfering with her work and family life, causing anxiety about a serious underlying condition. Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Ahmed, recommended an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a type of cholangiography, to get a definitive look at her bile ducts. Neha was terrified of the sedation and the idea of an endoscope, but Dr. Ahmed patiently explained how the procedure would allow him to see any blockages or stones directly. During the ERCP, a small stone was discovered and removed with a tiny basket. Waking up, Neha felt immediate relief from the constant pressure. After a short observation period for mild pancreatitis risk, she recovered at home with a clear liquid diet. The emotional weight lifted; she was no longer living in fear of the unknown pain and could fully engage with her children again, feeling grateful for the precise diagnosis and minimally invasive solution.
Gastroenterologists for Cholangiography
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform cholangiography and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai