ERCP in Jalandhar — Bile Duct Stone Removal Without Surgery
200+ ERCP procedures performed locally. Most patients in Punjab travel to Chandigarh or Delhi for this; here it is done at Innocent Hearts Hospital, Nakodar Road.
What ERCP Is Used For
ERCP is both the diagnosis and the treatment. In most cases it replaces an open operation entirely.
Bile duct stones
Stones stuck in the common bile duct cause severe upper abdominal pain, jaundice and fever. A sphincterotomy opens the duct and the stones are extracted with a basket or balloon.
Obstructive jaundice
When a stone, stricture or tumour blocks bile flow, a stent restores drainage immediately without open surgery.
Pancreatic duct stones
Stones blocking the pancreatic duct are fragmented and removed, relieving pain in chronic pancreatitis. More on pancreatic disease.
Gallstone pancreatitis
Urgent ERCP clears the obstructing stone, which is often what stops the attack progressing.
Bile duct strictures
Narrowings dilated and stented, whether benign or malignant, restoring flow.
Post-surgical bile leak
Leaks after gallbladder removal sealed endoscopically with a stent, avoiding a second operation.
What Happens on the Day
ERCP is the most technically demanding endoscopic procedure, and the one with the most preparation around it.
Preparation
- Fast 6 to 8 hours before the procedure
- Blood thinners paused 5 to 7 days in advance, on instruction
- Blood tests and imaging (ultrasound, MRCP) reviewed
- Admission arranged — expect a 1 to 2 day stay
The procedure
- IV sedation or general anaesthesia given
- Side-viewing duodenoscope passed to the duodenum
- Contrast dye injected, live X-ray maps the ducts
- Sphincterotomy, stone extraction, stenting or dilation as needed
Recovery
- 1 to 2 days observation for pancreatitis and bleeding
- Normal diet usually resumed within 24 to 48 hours
- Stone composition and biopsy results in 3 to 5 days
- Stent removal or exchange scheduled if one was placed
Where ERCP Is Done
ERCP needs a fluoroscopy suite as well as an endoscope. Both are at Innocent Hearts Hospital.
Fluoroscopy suiteLive X-ray guidance
Procedure roomMonitored, with ICU backup
Bile and pancreatic ductsReached without incision
What Dr. Ankit Treats During ERCP
Because the scope, the dye and the X-ray are all in place, diagnosis and treatment happen together.
Common bile duct stones
Extracted with a basket or balloon after sphincterotomy — the commonest ERCP indication.
Biliary stent placement
Plastic or metal stents restore drainage past a stricture or tumour.
Endoscopic sphincterotomy
The duct outlet opened with a small cut, allowing stones to pass and future ones to clear.
Pancreatic duct treatment
Stones fragmented and removed, strictures stented, in chronic pancreatitis.
Bile duct biopsy
Brushings and tissue taken from a stricture to determine whether it is benign or malignant.
Post-cholecystectomy leak
Bile leaks after gallbladder surgery sealed with a stent, avoiding reoperation.
ERCP carries a real, small risk of pancreatitis — which is why it is a hospital procedure
Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurs in a small percentage of cases, which is exactly why patients stay 1 to 2 days for observation rather than going home the same evening. This is also why ERCP is done only when there is a clear indication, and why it is performed by someone who does it regularly. Tell Dr. Ankit about blood thinners and any previous reaction to contrast dye.
ERCP Is Done at Innocent Hearts Hospital
The fluoroscopy suite, the anaesthetic support and the Gastro ICU are all in the same building.
Innocent Hearts Hospital
ERCP, fluoroscopy suite and Gastro ICU- Procedure timings
- Mon–Sat10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Gastro ICU24 / 7
Obstructive jaundice is a bile duct problem that the liver pays for
When a stone or stricture blocks the bile duct, pressure backs up into the liver — which is why obstructive jaundice patients have deranged liver enzymes and why liver function is rechecked after the duct is cleared. That liver side of the practice is where Hepatolean Advance Liver Pro+ came from, a sugar-free liver-care protein Dr. Ankit formulated for his fatty liver patients. It is not a treatment for bile duct disease, and it plays no part in ERCP recovery.
ERCP — Frequently Asked Questions
What is ERCP?
Can bile duct stones really be removed without surgery?
Is ERCP painful?
Why do I have to stay in hospital?
Do I need my gallbladder removed afterwards?
Is ERCP available in Jalandhar?
ERCP Without Leaving Jalandhar
Bring your ultrasound or MRCP reports to an OPD consultation at GastroNova Clinic. If ERCP is indicated, it is scheduled at Innocent Hearts Hospital from there.