Learn about HIDA Scan 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 HIDA Scan and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About HIDA Scan

A HIDA scan, also known as hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan or cholescintigraphy, is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging procedure used to evaluate the function of the gallbladder, liver, and bile ducts. During the test, a small, safe amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. This tracer is taken up by liver cells and excreted into the bile, allowing a gamma camera to track its flow. The scan helps diagnose conditions like acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), biliary dyskinesia (poor gallbladder emptying), bile leaks, and obstructions. It is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that provides critical functional information not always visible on other imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans.

Key Highlights

    Provides functional assessment of the gallbladder, liver, and biliary system.Non-invasive and typically painless, involving only an intravenous injection.Helps diagnose the cause of unexplained abdominal pain, especially in the right upper quadrant.Can identify bile duct obstructions, leaks, and gallbladder ejection fraction.Often more accurate than ultrasound for diagnosing acute cholecystitis or biliary dyskinesia.Outpatient procedure with no surgical incisions required./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Evaluation of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, especially if gallstones are suspected.
  • Diagnosis of acute or chronic cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).
  • Suspected biliary dyskinesia (poor gallbladder contraction and emptying).
  • Detection of bile leaks following surgery or trauma.
  • Assessment of bile duct obstruction or patency.
  • Evaluation of congenital biliary abnormalities.
  • Assessment of liver transplant biliary complications.
  • Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or jaundice.

How to prepare

  • Fasting is usually required for 4 to 6 hours before the scan to ensure the gallbladder is full and ready to contract.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications, especially narcotics, as some may interfere with gallbladder function.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or fasteners near the abdomen.
  • Inform the technologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any allergies.
  • You may be asked to sign a consent form after the procedure is explained.
  • Arrive on time, as the procedure involves precise timing for imaging.

Risks & possible complications

  • Minimal radiation exposure, comparable to other diagnostic X-ray procedures.
  • Rare allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer (extremely uncommon).
  • Minor discomfort, bruising, or bleeding at the injection site.
  • False-positive or false-negative results are possible, though uncommon.
  • There is a very small risk of infection from the IV line insertion.
  • No significant long-term side effects are associated with the tracer.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • You can typically resume normal activities, including driving, immediately after the scan.
  • Drink plenty of water to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body.
  • No special dietary restrictions are required post-procedure.
  • The radioactive material decays and is eliminated from the body within 24 hours.
  • Results are analyzed by a nuclear medicine physician and reported to your referring doctor, usually within 1-2 days.
  • Follow up with your doctor to discuss the scan results and any necessary next steps.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0 days (immediate)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering hida scan 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 hida scan compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 47 – USD 126 0 days (outpatient) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More
Turkey USD 343 – USD 914 0 days (outpatient) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More

Nuclear Medicines for HIDA Scan

Explore experienced nuclear medicines who regularly perform hida scan and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Tajamul Syed Malik - Nuclear Medicine at Artemis Hospital Gurgaon with 7 years experience
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Noaline Sinha - Nuclear Medicine at Artemis Hospital Gurgaon with 29 years experience
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Santhi Bhushan Murari - Nuclear Medicine at Star Hospital Nanakramguda with 18 years experience
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi, Telugu

MediFyr Plus Star Hospital Nanakramguda

OPD-desk synced • Updated