✦ ACUTE PANCREATITIS · BILIARY

ERCP with Bile Duct Stone Removal

Q: Do I still need gallbladder surgery after ERCP?

Yes — ERCP clears stones already in the bile duct but does not remove the gallbladder, which will continue producing new stones.

Q: What is the risk of ERCP-induced pancreatitis?

Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurs in 3–5% of procedures. Risk is reduced with indomethacin suppository given pre-procedure.

Q: What happens if the stones cannot be completely cleared in one ERCP session?

A biliary stent is placed to drain the bile duct if complete clearance is not achieved. A second ERCP session is arranged 2–4 weeks later.

Endoscopic clearance of bile duct stones — essential treatment for choledocholithiasis and gallstone pancreatitis.

30–60 Min TREATMENT DURATION

Day Care CARE SETTING

Endoscopic APPROACH

1–2 Days RECOVERY TIMELINE

What is ERCP with Bile Duct Stone Removal?

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) with bile duct stone removal clears gallstones lodged in the common bile duct endoscopically. A flexible duodenoscope is passed to the ampulla, sphincterotomy performed, and stones extracted using balloon or basket catheters.

Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi performs ERCP for choledocholithiasis and gallstone pancreatitis with persistent biliary obstruction. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is arranged during the same admission to prevent stone recurrence.

Suitable for patients with gallstones in the common bile duct causing jaundice, cholangitis, or acute pancreatitis with persistent biliary obstruction.

How the Procedure Works

Pre-procedure Imaging

MRCP or ultrasound confirms bile duct stones and size. Coagulation checked and corrected. Indomethacin suppository given to reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis risk.

Endoscopic Access

Duodenoscope advanced to the duodenum. Ampulla of Vater cannulated and bile duct access achieved under fluoroscopic guidance.

Sphincterotomy

Electrosurgical sphincterotomy widens the opening of the bile duct to allow stone passage and extraction.

Stone Extraction

Stones extracted with balloon catheter or basket. Large stones fragmented by mechanical lithotripsy before extraction.

Clearance Confirmation

Contrast cholangiogram confirms complete ductal clearance. Biliary stent placed if clearance is incomplete. Cholecystectomy was planned same admission.

Outcomes

30–60 MinTREATMENT DURATION

Day CareCARE SETTING

EndoscopicAPPROACH

1–2 DaysRECOVERY TIMELINE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Non-surgical — clears bile duct stones without abdominal incisions
→95%+ stone clearance rate in experienced hands
→Immediately resolves biliary obstruction and jaundice
→Essential treatment for gallstone pancreatitis with persistent ductal obstruction

ERCP gives patients with painful bile duct stones immediate relief without surgery. Clearing the duct endoscopically and then removing the gallbladder in the same admission is the most effective strategy.

— Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Senior Consultant Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

ERCP with Bile Duct Stone Removal Cost in Hyderabad

The cost of ERCP with Bile Duct Stone Removal in Hyderabad depends on factors such as the cause and severity of pancreatitis, presence of bile duct stones, diagnostic findings, procedure complexity, and hospital care requirements. For patients with gallstone pancreatitis requiring bile duct stone removal, the approximate cost of ERCP ranges between ₹30,000 and ₹70,000.

Procedure	Approximate Cost Range
ERCP with Bile Duct Stone Removal	₹30,000 – ₹70,000

The final cost may vary depending on your individual condition, additional procedures required during ERCP, hospital stay, and post-procedure monitoring.

Factors That Influence ERCP Cost

The overall cost may depend on:

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Bile duct stone complexity: The number, size, and location of stones in the bile duct can influence the procedure requirements.
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Pre-procedure evaluation: Blood tests, imaging, ultrasound, MRCP (when advised), and medical assessments may contribute to the overall cost.
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Procedure requirements: The need for stone extraction, stent placement, anaesthesia/sedation, and hospital observation may affect the final estimate.
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Severity of pancreatitis: Patients with severe acute pancreatitis may require prolonged hospitalisation, intensive care monitoring, and additional treatment, which can significantly increase overall costs.

Is ERCP Covered by Insurance?

ERCP performed for medically necessary treatment of gallstone pancreatitis may be covered by health insurance. Coverage depends on your insurance policy, inclusions, and insurer approval process.

Our insurance support team can assist you with checking policy coverage, required documentation, cashless approval process, and insurance-related queries.

Checking your policy coverage
Cashless approval process
Required documentation
Insurance-related queries before the procedure

Dr. Tagore Grandhi

Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon

During consultation, Dr. Tagore Mohan Grandhi, Bariatric & GI Surgeon at Lux Hospitals, will evaluate your symptoms, investigation reports, and condition severity to determine the appropriate treatment approach. He will explain the procedure, expected outcomes, recovery process, and provide an estimated cost based on your individual condition and treatment requirements.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need gallbladder surgery after ERCP?+

What is the risk of ERCP-induced pancreatitis?+

What happens if the stones cannot be completely cleared in one ERCP session?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Tagore Grandhi and get a personalised treatment plan.

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