About Common Bile Duct Exploration
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-7 days
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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.
Popular choices for common bile duct exploration in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, 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 common bile duct exploration. MediFyr helps you compare surgical 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 common bile duct exploration compare across other countries where we have data.
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.
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.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist