ERCP in Ranchi
An advanced endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat selected problems of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts, including bile duct stones, narrowing, obstruction and the need for stent placement.
What is ERCP?
ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. It combines endoscopy and X-ray guidance to access the opening of the bile and pancreatic ducts through the small intestine. Today, ERCP is mainly used as a therapeutic procedure to remove stones, widen narrowed ducts, drain obstruction or place stents.
When is ERCP considered?
- Stone in the common bile duct.
- Jaundice caused by bile duct obstruction.
- Cholangitis or infection related to an obstructed bile duct.
- Narrowing or stricture of the bile duct.
- Need for biliary or pancreatic stenting.
- Selected pancreatic duct problems.
- Bile leak after surgery or injury in selected situations.
Symptoms that may suggest a bile duct problem
Common complaints
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Dark urine or pale stools.
- Upper abdominal pain.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Itching associated with jaundice.
Seek urgent assessment if
- Jaundice occurs with fever or chills.
- There is severe upper abdominal pain.
- Vomiting is persistent.
- You become confused, weak or very unwell.
- There is known bile duct obstruction with worsening symptoms.
How bile duct problems are evaluated
Evaluation may include blood tests such as liver-function tests and imaging such as ultrasound, CT, MRCP or other investigations. ERCP is generally performed when endoscopic treatment is likely to be needed, rather than as the first diagnostic test in every patient.
What can be done during ERCP?
Bile duct stones may be removed using balloons, baskets or other endoscopic devices.
A small cut may be made at the duct opening to facilitate stone removal or drainage.
A plastic or metal stent may be placed to maintain bile flow through a narrowed or blocked duct.
Selected strictures may be widened using endoscopic balloons or other devices.
ERCP can relieve obstruction and improve drainage in selected cases.
Tissue or cellular samples may sometimes be collected when a stricture needs further evaluation.
Step by step
The procedure is performed with sedation or anaesthesia according to patient and procedural requirements.
A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth, stomach and into the first part of the small intestine.
The bile or pancreatic duct opening is accessed using specialised endoscopic instruments, often with contrast and X-ray guidance.
Stone removal, sphincterotomy, stenting, drainage or another indicated therapeutic step is performed.
The patient is observed for pain, nausea, bleeding and signs of pancreatitis or infection.
Before ERCP
- Review of imaging, blood tests and clinical indication.
- Fasting for the period instructed by the treating team.
- Medication review, especially blood thinners, diabetes medicines and allergies.
- Assessment of previous reactions to contrast, sedation or anaesthesia.
- Pre-anaesthesia review when required.
- Discussion of possible interventions such as sphincterotomy or stenting.
- Arrange an attendant and transport if discharge is planned the same day.
Do not stop blood thinners or other prescribed medicines on your own. Follow the instructions given by the treating doctor and anaesthesia team.
What happens on the day?
Fasting, investigations, consent, medications and treatment plan are reviewed.
The anaesthesia or sedation plan is administered and monitoring begins.
The endoscopist accesses the ducts and performs the required therapeutic step.
Vital signs, abdominal pain, nausea and overall recovery are monitored before discharge or admission.
How long does ERCP take?
ERCP commonly takes around 30–90 minutes, although complex stone extraction, difficult anatomy or multiple interventions can take longer. Many patients can be observed for several hours and discharged the same day, while some require overnight or longer admission depending on their condition and the procedure performed.
Recovery after ERCP
Immediately after
You may have a sore throat, bloating or mild discomfort. Eating and drinking are resumed according to the endoscopy team's instructions once recovery from sedation is adequate.
Return to routine
Many patients resume light routine activity within a day or two, but driving and important decisions should be avoided for the period advised after sedation or anaesthesia.
What to watch for after discharge
- Follow the diet and medication advice given at discharge.
- Arrange follow-up if a temporary stent was inserted.
- Seek medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain.
- Report fever, chills, persistent vomiting or black/bloody stool.
- Follow instructions regarding antibiotics or other prescribed medicines.
What risks should patients understand?
ERCP is an invasive endoscopic procedure and carries risks. The most recognised complication is post-ERCP pancreatitis. Other possible complications include bleeding, infection of the bile ducts, perforation, aspiration, sedation or anaesthesia-related problems, and stent-related complications. The risk depends on the indication, anatomy, procedure complexity and individual factors.
Understanding ERCP cost
Final cost depends on diagnostic imaging, complexity of stone removal, sphincterotomy, number and type of stents, consumables, anaesthesia, room category, medicines and length of stay.
Get exact estimateCoverage depends on the clinical indication, insurer or scheme rules, empanelment, authorisation and whether admission or additional procedures are required.
Why choose Hopewell for ERCP?
Endoscopic findings can be coordinated with gallbladder or GI surgical planning when required.
Stone removal, stenting and duct drainage can be performed when indicated.
Ultrasound, CT, MRCP or other studies can be integrated into the treatment plan.
Structured monitoring during sedation or anaesthesia.
Monitoring for pain, bleeding, infection and pancreatitis before discharge.
Support for cashless, TPA and eligible government schemes.
Meet the specialist
Dr Shahbaz Alam Khan
GI & Laparoscopic Surgery • Hopewell Hospital, Ranchi
Areas of focus may include gallbladder disease, bile duct disorders, ERCP-related care, GI surgery and minimally invasive surgery.
Frequently asked questions
ERCP can provide diagnostic information, but today it is mainly used for treatment, such as removing bile duct stones, placing stents or relieving obstruction.
Have jaundice, bile duct stones or an ERCP recommendation?
Book a GI consultation to review your reports and understand whether ERCP, surgery or another treatment pathway is appropriate.
*Procedure time, hospital stay and recovery are indicative and vary by individual clinical condition. This page is for patient education and does not replace medical consultation.