Learn about Cholangiography Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cholangiography and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cholangiography

Cholangiography is a specialized diagnostic imaging procedure performed by a gastroenterologist to visualize the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. This test is crucial for identifying blockages, strictures, stones, or tumors within the biliary system. The procedure typically involves injecting a contrast dye into the bile ducts, followed by X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to create detailed pictures. There are several types, including Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC), and Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). It is a key tool for diagnosing conditions like gallstones, primary sclerosing cholangitis, bile duct cancer, and post-surgical complications, often guiding further therapeutic interventions.

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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 15 Thousand – 80 Thousand 0-2 days ~ 1-3 days Know More
Turkey TRY 52.5 Thousand – 280 Thousand 0-2 days ~ 1-3 days Know More

Top hospitals for Cholangiography in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cholangiography.

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Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2143+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Baner

  • IconPune, India
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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
  • Icon73 Doctors
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2478+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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1837+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salem

  • IconSalem, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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534+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

  • IconBangalore, India
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537+ Rating

Manipal Hospitals Broadway

  • IconKolkata, India
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5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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89+ Rating

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
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279+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
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98+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

  • IconBangalore, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors
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872+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Millers Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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15+ Rating

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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694+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kharadi

  • IconPune, India
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. S Palaniappan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. A Murali
  • 34 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit P Shetti
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sreenivasa D
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pratap Kumar Behera
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gyanranjan Rout
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. TEJASWINI TUMMA
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. V.R SUMANTH KUMAR
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ayush Dhingra
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sharath Kote G S
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Kannada, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. KNK Shetty
  • 49 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ravi Sahay
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Neeraj Dhar
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anurag Tandon
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harsh Kapoor
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishal Khurana
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raj Vigna Venugopal
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anand Dotihal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jagdish
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Aliem Nagui Mohammed Minathullah
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated