Learn about Common Bile Duct Exploration 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 Common Bile Duct Exploration and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Common Bile Duct Exploration

Common Bile Duct Exploration (CBDE) is a surgical procedure performed by a Surgical Gastroenterologist to directly access, examine, and treat blockages or abnormalities within the common bile duct. This duct is a crucial pathway that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine to aid digestion. The procedure is typically indicated when less invasive methods, like ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), are unsuccessful, contraindicated, or unavailable. During CBDE, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to locate the duct, often using specialized imaging to guide the removal of gallstones, strictures, or tumors. It is a definitive treatment for complex biliary obstructions, helping to relieve jaundice, prevent severe infections like cholangitis, and restore normal bile flow.

Key Highlights

    Definitive treatment for complex bile duct blockages when endoscopic methods fail.Direct visualization allows for precise removal of stones, sludge, or strictures.Can be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.Effectively relieves symptoms like jaundice, severe abdominal pain, and recurrent infections.Helps prevent serious complications such as life-threatening cholangitis or pancreatitis.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Large or impacted gallstones in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis).
  • Failed or incomplete stone removal via ERCP.
  • Suspected or confirmed bile duct strictures or tumors.
  • Acute bacterial infection of the bile duct (cholangitis) not responding to antibiotics.
  • Recurrent pancreatitis caused by bile duct stones.
  • Post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury or leak requiring repair.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, liver function tests, and imaging (Ultrasound, MRCP).
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to surgery as instructed.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications like blood thinners after consulting the surgeon.
  • Administration of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection.
  • Discussion of anesthesia options and obtaining informed consent.
  • Arranging for support and leave from work for the recovery period.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
  • Injury to surrounding structures like the liver, intestines, or major blood vessels.
  • Bile leakage from the surgical site, which may require additional drainage.
  • Formation of scar tissue leading to future bile duct narrowing (stricture).
  • Retained stones requiring a secondary procedure.
  • Rare risks include deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, or hernia at the incision site.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring pain, vital signs, and bile drainage.
  • Pain management with prescribed medications and gradual advancement to a normal diet.
  • Incision care instructions to keep the site clean and dry.
  • Temporary placement of a T-tube drain may be required, with instructions for home care.
  • Avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove any drains, and assess liver function.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering common bile duct exploration 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 common bile duct exploration compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 400 Thousand 5-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 1.4 Million 5-7 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Common Bile Duct Exploration in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing common bile duct exploration.

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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Diya Malhotra, a 42-year-old software project...

Diya Malhotra, a 42-year-old software project manager and mother of two, had been struggling with intermittent upper abdominal pain for months, which she initially attributed to stress. The pain became severe and constant, accompanied by jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. An ultrasound revealed gallstones and a dilated common bile duct, suggesting a stone was lodged there. Her surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that her gallbladder needed removal (cholecystectomy) and, due to the blocked duct, a Common Bile Duct Exploration would be performed during the same surgery to remove the stone. Diya was terrified of major surgery and worried about being incapacitated and unable to care for her young children. The laparoscopic procedure went smoothly, and the obstructing stone was successfully removed. Her recovery in the hospital took three days, with initial soreness managed well by medication. Within two weeks, her jaundice had completely resolved, her energy was returning, and she was managing light duties at home. The relief from the debilitating pain was immense. Diya moved from a state of high anxiety and feeling like a burden to her family to one of profound gratitude and a renewed appreciation for her health, vowing to prioritize self-care amidst her busy life.

Surgical Gastroenterologists for Common Bile Duct Exploration

Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform common bile duct exploration and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Surendran R
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Hemanth Kumar K
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Alister Victor
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Rajasekar A
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

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Dr. Shashidhara Gosikere Matta G
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Sanjeev Rohatgi
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Nagaraj Palankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Jasti BK Surendra
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Ramya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Raghavendra N
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Maruthesh Chikkappa
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Sathish Kumar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. Kasthuri T S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. BS Ramakrishna
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. P Anbalagan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. Govind Nandakumar
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 980
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

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Dr. SASI KANTH UDDAGIRI
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada

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Dr. C. MANSOOR AHMED
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad

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Dr. Adithya V Naragund
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Kannada, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital, Bangalore

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