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Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Treatment in Delhi

(ERCP) Treatment in North Delhi

Dr. Piyush Gupta is one of the leading ERCP Specialist Doctors in North Delhi, offering advanced and personalized care for patients with bile duct, pancreatic duct, and gallbladder disorders. With extensive experience in medical and interventional gastroenterology, Dr. Gupta provides precise and effective ERCP treatment in North Delhi, ensuring accurate diagnosis and relief from complex gastrointestinal conditions.

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What is ERCP?

ERCP is a specialized medical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems of the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. It combines the use of endoscopy and X-ray imaging to identify blockages, stones, or narrowing in the bile or pancreatic ducts.

Conditions Treated with ERCP

  • Bile Duct Stones: RCP is used to detect and remove stones blocking the bile ducts, preventing jaundice, abdominal pain, and digestive issues, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
  • Pancreatic Duct Blockage: Blockages in the pancreatic duct can cause severe pain and digestive problems. ERCP helps open the duct, restore enzyme flow, and reduce inflammation effectively.
  • Gallbladder Stones: Gallstones that migrate into bile ducts can lead to infections or obstruction. ERCP safely removes these stones, alleviating pain and preventing further complications.
  • Bile Duct Infection: Cholangitis is a bacterial infection caused by bile duct obstruction. ERCP helps drain the bile, remove blockages, and restore normal bile flow, providing rapid symptom relief.
  • Pancreatitis: Chronic or acute pancreatitis caused by ductal obstruction can be managed with ERCP, which helps relieve inflammation and prevent recurrent attacks by restoring normal pancreatic function.
  • Tumor-Related Duct Narrowing: Tumors in or near the bile or pancreatic ducts can cause narrowing or blockage. ERCP allows stent placement or tissue sampling, improving drainage and aiding diagnosis.

How ERCP is Performed

  • Sedation and Endoscope Insertion: The procedure begins with mild sedation to ensure comfort. A thin, flexible endoscope is gently passed through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the small intestine to access the bile and pancreatic ducts.
  • Dye Injection & X-ray Imaging: A special contrast dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts. X-ray imaging helps the doctor identify blockages, stones, strictures, or narrowing caused by tumors with precision.
  • Treatment – Stone Removal, Stent Placement, or Tissue Sampling: Once the problem is identified, the doctor can remove stones, place stents to open narrowed ducts, or take tissue samples for biopsy. This ensures effective treatment and minimizes the need for major surgery.

FAQ - Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

The main purpose of ERCP is to both diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. It can identify blockages, stones, strictures, or tumors and also allow for immediate treatment such as stone removal or stent placement.

No, ERCP is usually not painful. It is performed under sedation or anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Some patients may feel mild bloating, sore throat, or discomfort afterward, but these usually subside quickly.

The procedure typically lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on whether diagnostic imaging alone is done or additional therapeutic procedures (like stone removal or stent placement) are performed.

Although ERCP is generally safe, potential risks include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), infection, bleeding, or very rarely, perforation of the intestine. These risks are uncommon and are usually outweighed by the benefits of treatment.

Patients are usually asked to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure. Blood-thinning medications may need to be paused temporarily. The doctor will provide specific preparation instructions, including any adjustments to existing medications.