✦ ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting

ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting

Q: What are the risks of ERCP?

Risks include pancreatitis (3–5%), bleeding after sphincterotomy, perforation (<1%), and cholangitis. Careful patient selection, experienced technique, and prophylactic measures substantially reduce these complications.

Q: Is ERCP done under anaesthesia?

Yes, ERCP is performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia with an anaesthetist monitoring throughout. This ensures patient comfort and procedural safety during the detailed biliary intervention.

Q: Will I still need gallbladder surgery?

Usually yes — ERCP clears the bile duct stones, but the gallbladder still contains stones and must be removed laparoscopically, ideally within a few weeks of the ERCP to prevent recurrence.

Q: What should I expect after ERCP?

Mild throat discomfort, bloating, and upper abdominal ache are common for a day or two. Diet is restarted within 24 hours. Any severe pain, fever, or vomiting should prompt immediate medical review.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) removes bile duct stones or places stents through the mouth — avoiding open surgery for common bile duct problems.

45–90 min PROCEDURE

1–2 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>95% SUCCESS RATE

2–3 Days RECOVERY

What is ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting?

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialised endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat problems of the bile duct and pancreatic duct. A side-viewing endoscope is passed through the mouth into the duodenum, contrast is injected into the bile duct under X-ray guidance, and stones can be extracted or strictures stented. Dr. Abhishek coordinates ERCP at Lux Hospitals for patients with common bile duct stones, obstructive jaundice, biliary strictures, or leaks — often avoiding the need for more invasive surgery.

How the Procedure Works

Sedation & Positioning

Patient is sedated (usually under anaesthesia support); positioned on left side or prone on the fluoroscopy table.

Scope Insertion

A side-viewing duodenoscope is passed through the mouth into the second part of the duodenum.

Cannulation

The ampulla of Vater is cannulated, and contrast is injected into the bile duct under fluoroscopy to identify pathology.

Sphincterotomy & Intervention

A small cut in the sphincter (sphincterotomy) allows stone extraction with a balloon or basket, or stent deployment.

Scope Removal

Once the intervention is complete, the scope is removed; patient is monitored in recovery.

Outcomes

45–90 minDURATION

1–2 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>95%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Avoids open surgery for common bile duct stones
→No external incisions — accessed entirely through the mouth
→Effective for stone removal, stricture dilatation, and stenting
→Rapid relief of jaundice and cholangitis
→Can be combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (one-stage or two-stage)
→Quick recovery with return to normal diet within 24 hours

ERCP has fundamentally changed the management of bile duct stones. When combined thoughtfully with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it lets us clear complex biliary problems without ever making a large incision.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of ERCP?+

Is ERCP done under anaesthesia?+

Will I still need gallbladder surgery?+

What should I expect after ERCP?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

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