Learn about Sphincterotomy 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 Sphincterotomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Sphincterotomy

A sphincterotomy is a specialized endoscopic procedure performed by a surgical gastroenterologist to treat conditions affecting the bile or pancreatic ducts. It involves making a small, controlled incision in the sphincter of Oddi, a muscular valve located where these ducts empty into the small intestine. This incision widens the opening, allowing for the removal of gallstones, the placement of stents, or the relief of blockages and strictures. The procedure is most commonly performed during an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) and is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. It is highly effective for managing conditions like choledocholithiasis (bile duct stones) and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, offering significant relief from pain, jaundice, and recurrent pancreatitis.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure performed endoscopically, avoiding open surgery.Highly effective for removing bile duct stones and relieving blockages.Can prevent recurrent episodes of pancreatitis and cholangitis.Typically involves a short hospital stay and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.Allows for direct therapeutic intervention during diagnostic imaging (ERCP).

Who is this surgery for?

  • Choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct).
  • Suspected or confirmed sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD).
  • Acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis due to duct obstruction.
  • To facilitate stent placement in the bile or pancreatic duct for strictures or tumors.
  • Cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts) requiring drainage.
  • Pre-operative clearance of bile duct stones before gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy).

How to prepare

  • Complete fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
  • Disclosure of all current medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel), which may need to be temporarily stopped.
  • Review of medical history, including allergies, especially to contrast dye or sedatives.
  • Arranging for a companion to drive the patient home post-procedure due to sedation effects.
  • Pre-procedure blood tests to assess liver function and clotting ability.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding from the incision site, which may require endoscopic intervention.
  • Perforation (a tear) in the duodenal wall or bile/pancreatic duct.
  • Post-procedure pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which is the most common complication.
  • Infection (cholangitis) or bile leakage.
  • Late complication of sphincter stenosis (re-narrowing) over time.
  • Reactions to sedative medications used during the procedure.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Observation for 2-6 hours post-procedure to monitor for immediate complications like bleeding or pancreatitis.
  • Diet typically resumes with clear liquids, advancing to a soft diet as tolerated.
  • Mild throat discomfort or bloating is common and resolves quickly.
  • Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for 24-48 hours due to sedation.
  • Follow-up with the gastroenterologist to discuss pathology results (if biopsies were taken) and assess treatment success.
  • Immediate medical attention is required for severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or black stools.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-7 days

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 45 Thousand – 150 Thousand 1-2 days ~ 3-7 days Know More
Turkey TRY 158 Thousand – 525 Thousand 1-2 days ~ 3-7 days Know More

Top hospitals for Sphincterotomy in India

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

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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Sophia Miller, a 58-year-old retired school...

Sophia Miller, a 58-year-old retired school librarian, had been struggling with recurrent episodes of severe upper abdominal pain for nearly a year. The pain, often radiating to her back and shoulder, would strike after meals, accompanied by nausea. She had lost 15 pounds from fear of eating. An ultrasound confirmed gallstones, and an ERCP revealed a stone lodged in her common bile duct, causing pancreatitis. Her surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Evans, explained that a sphincterotomy, a small incision in the muscle (sphincter of Oddi) at the end of the bile duct, was necessary to remove the stone and prevent future blockages and life-threatening infections. Terrified of another painful attack, Sophia agreed. The procedure was performed under sedation. She woke up sore but without the sharp, gripping pain. After a night in the hospital for observation, she went home. Within a week, she could eat a small meal without fear. Her emotional journey was one of profound relief, transitioning from constant anxiety and debilitating pain to reclaiming her joy of cooking and social dining with friends.

Surgical Gastroenterologists for Sphincterotomy

Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform sphincterotomy 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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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

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

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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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