ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) removes bile duct stones or places stents through the mouth — avoiding open surgery for common bile duct problems.
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
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
ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of ERCP with stone extraction or stenting in Hyderabad depends on the number and size of common bile duct (CBD) stones, degree of bile duct obstruction, presence of obstructive jaundice or infection, complexity of the procedure, pre-procedure investigations, sedation or anesthesia, and hospital care. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to access the bile ducts and, when appropriate, remove CBD stones or place a stent to help restore bile flow. The estimated cost ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000, with an average cost of approximately ₹50,000.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| CBD stones, obstructive jaundice | ₹30,000 ₹70,000 |
The actual cost may vary depending on the number, size, and location of CBD stones, degree of bile duct blockage, presence of jaundice or bile duct infection, and the complexity of stone clearance. The total expense may include consultation, liver function tests, blood investigations, ultrasound, MRCP or other imaging, ERCP-related consumables, sedation or anesthesia, hospital or day-care charges, medicines, and follow-up care.
In some patients, the stones can be removed during ERCP, while a temporary or longer-term bile duct stent may be placed when drainage needs to be maintained or complete stone clearance is not immediately possible. A repeat ERCP or another procedure may sometimes be required depending on the stone burden, stent requirement, or the patient's response to treatment. The final treatment plan is determined from the clinical and imaging findings.
Factors Affecting ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting Cost
ERCP costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the bile duct problem and whether the procedure is performed for straightforward stone extraction or requires additional interventions. Emergency treatment for obstructive jaundice or infection may also involve additional hospital and medical care.
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Number of CBD stones: Multiple stones may require longer endoscopic treatment and more complex clearance.
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Stone size and location: Larger, impacted, or difficult-to-access stones may require additional techniques or more than one treatment session.
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Degree of obstruction: Significant blockage of bile flow can increase the urgency and complexity of treatment.
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Obstructive jaundice: Elevated bilirubin and jaundice may require additional evaluation and supportive medical management.
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Bile duct infection: Suspected or confirmed cholangitis may require antibiotics, urgent drainage, and closer monitoring.
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Pre-procedure investigations: Liver function tests, blood tests, ultrasound, MRCP, and other imaging may be required before ERCP.
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Stone extraction: The techniques and devices required to remove CBD stones can influence procedure-related costs.
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Stent placement: Biliary stents and related consumables add to the overall treatment expense when drainage or staged treatment is required.
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Sedation or anesthesia: The type of sedation or anesthesia used during ERCP can affect the cost.
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Hospitalization: Emergency admission, observation, nursing care, monitoring, and medicines may increase the total expense.
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Additional procedures: Repeat ERCP, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, drainage, or other interventions may be required in selected cases.
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Follow-up and stent management: Patients with a temporary biliary stent may require follow-up evaluation and, when indicated, a further procedure for stent removal or exchange.
Insurance Coverage for ERCP with Stone Extraction / Stenting
ERCP with stone extraction or biliary stenting may be covered by health insurance when it is medically necessary for a covered condition such as CBD stones, bile duct obstruction, or obstructive jaundice. Coverage depends on the diagnosis, emergency or planned nature of treatment, policy terms, waiting periods, exclusions, insurer guidelines, applicable limits, and pre-authorization requirements. Patients should confirm coverage for the endoscopic procedure, stent or other consumables, hospitalization, investigations, and any associated treatment with their insurance provider.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Abhishek Katha
Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, evaluates patients with gallstones, common bile duct stones, obstructive jaundice, and other gastrointestinal surgical conditions. During consultation, he reviews symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, vomiting, fever, chills, and digestive discomfort, along with the patient's medical and surgical history. Available blood tests, bilirubin and liver function results, ultrasound, MRCP, and other imaging reports are assessed to determine whether CBD stones or bile duct obstruction are present and how extensive the problem may be. When ERCP is indicated, Dr. Abhishek Katha discusses the objective of the procedure and whether stone extraction, biliary stenting, or staged treatment is likely to be required based on the clinical and imaging findings. He explains the preparation for the procedure, sedation or anesthesia requirements, expected hospital stay, recovery, possible need for repeat ERCP or subsequent gallbladder treatment, and follow-up for any biliary stent that is placed. The consultation also includes discussion of potential additional treatment and the estimated cost based on the complexity of the individual case.
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