About Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Key Highlights
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Combines endoscopy and X-ray imaging for precise diagnosis of bile and pancreatic ducts.Minimally invasive procedure, often avoiding the need for open surgery.Allows for simultaneous therapeutic interventions during diagnosis.Effective for removing gallstones lodged in the common bile duct.Can relieve jaundice and pain caused by blockages quickly.Enables stent placement to keep narrowed ducts open./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant.
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) indicating a possible bile duct obstruction.
- Suspected gallstones in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis).
- Diagnosis and management of bile duct strictures, leaks, or tumors.
- Evaluation of recurrent pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis.
- Suspected tumors of the pancreas, bile ducts, or ampulla of Vater.
- To obtain tissue samples (biopsy) from the bile or pancreatic ducts.
How to prepare
- Fasting is required for 6-8 hours before the procedure (nothing to eat or drink).
- Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), which may need to be temporarily stopped.
- Disclose any allergies, particularly to iodine or contrast dye.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation will be used.
- You may be given antibiotics beforehand if there is a risk of infection.
- A brief physical exam and review of medical history will be conducted.
Risks & possible complications
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is the most common complication.
- Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis).
- Bleeding, especially if a sphincterotomy (cutting of a muscle) is performed.
- Perforation (a tear) in the duodenum or bile/pancreatic ducts.
- Adverse reaction to the sedative or contrast dye.
- Rare risks include damage to teeth or dental work from the endoscope.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You will be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off (1-2 hours).
- You may experience a sore throat, bloating, or gas, which is normal and temporary.
- Rest for the remainder of the day; avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions.
- Resume a normal diet as tolerated, starting with clear liquids.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, black stools, or vomiting.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to discuss results and any further treatment plans.
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Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (same-day) or 1 day
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for normal activities, 1 week for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography 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 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. 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 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 25 Thousand – 80 Thousand | Usually outpatient (same-day) or 1 day | ~ 1-2 days for normal activities, 1 week for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 87.5 Thousand – 280 Thousand | Usually outpatient (same-day) or 1 day | ~ 1-2 days for normal activities, 1 week for full recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
James Verma, a 68-year-old retired engineer,...
James Verma, a 68-year-old retired engineer, had been experiencing intermittent, dull pain in his upper right abdomen for months, which he initially attributed to indigestion. The pain recently intensified, becoming sharp and constant, accompanied by jaundice and dark urine. His primary care physician ordered an ultrasound, which revealed a dilated common bile duct. His gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, recommended an ERCP to investigate the cause, suspecting a possible stone or stricture. James was anxious about the sedation and the idea of a scope, but the nursing team was reassuring. During the procedure, Dr. Chen found and removed a small gallstone that had migrated into the duct. James woke up with a sore throat and some abdominal bloating but felt immediate relief from the intense pressure. After a night in the hospital for observation, he recovered well at home. The emotional weight of the unknown was lifted; he felt grateful for the clear diagnosis and minimally invasive solution, allowing him to return to his gardening and grandchildren without fear of another painful attack.
Gastroenterologists for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography 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