✦ 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

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.

WhatsApp Us ← Back to Treatments