Sphincterotomy Treatment in Turkey
About Sphincterotomy
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-2 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering sphincterotomy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with surgical gastroenterology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform sphincterotomy. 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 sphincterotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
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.