ERCP Treatment for Jaundice

ERCP Treatment for Jaundice at GEM Hospital

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, commonly called ERCP, is an advanced endoscopic procedure used to treat jaundice caused by a blocked bile duct.

A blockage can prevent bile from flowing normally, leading to yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, itching and abdominal pain. ERCP can help remove the blockage and restore bile flow without conventional open surgery.

At Gem Hospital in Chennai, ERCP is performed by specialists experienced in therapeutic endoscopy and bile-duct disorders. Patients looking for Jaundice Treatment in Chennai receive an evaluation to determine whether ERCP is appropriate for their condition.

ERCP Treatment for Jaundice at GEM Hospital

What is ERCP?

ERCP is a procedure that combines a flexible endoscope with X-ray imaging to examine and treat the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

The endoscope is passed through the mouth, stomach and into the first part of the small intestine. The doctor then uses small instruments to access the bile duct and treat the blockage.

At Gem Hospital Coimbatore, ERCP may be recommended after blood tests and scans confirm a bile-duct problem. Patients seeking Jaundice Treatment in Coimbatore are evaluated according to the cause and severity of the obstruction.

When is ERCP used for Jaundice?

ERCP is mainly used when jaundice is caused by an obstruction in the bile duct. It may be recommended for:

Stones in the common bile duct
Narrowing of the bile duct
Bile-duct infection, known as cholangitis
Bile leakage following surgery or injury
Blockage caused by a tumour
Selected pancreatic-duct conditions
Collection of cells or tissue from a suspicious narrowing

ERCP is not required for every patient with jaundice. Jaundice may also be caused by liver disease or blood disorders, which require different treatments.

Before recommending ERCP, the team providing Jaundice Treatment in Chennai may use ultrasound, CT, MRI, MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound to identify the cause of the symptoms.

Treatments Performed During ERCP

ERCP allows the doctor to diagnose and treat certain bile-duct conditions during the same procedure.

Treatment may include:

Bile-duct stone removal

Small balloons or baskets can be used to remove stones blocking the common bile duct.

Stent placement

A small plastic or metal tube called a stent may be placed inside a narrowed or blocked duct. The stent helps bile drain normally.

Some stents need to be removed or replaced later. Patients should attend the recommended follow-up appointment.

Balloon dilation

A small balloon may be used to widen a narrowed section of the bile duct.

Bile drainage

Blocked or infected bile may be drained to reduce pressure and help control infection.

Tissue sampling

Cells or tissue may be collected from a suspicious narrowing and sent for laboratory examination.

Patients receiving Jaundice Treatment in Coimbatore are informed about the planned treatment before the procedure.

Preparing for ERCP

Before ERCP, tell your doctor if you:

Take blood-thinning medicines
Have diabetes
Have a bleeding disorder
Have heart, lung or kidney problems
Are pregnant or may be pregnant
Have allergies to medicines or contrast agents
Previously reacted to sedation or anaesthesia
Have undergone surgery involving the stomach or intestine

You will be asked not to eat or drink for a specified period before the procedure. Follow the hospital’s fasting and medicine instructions carefully.

Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your doctor advises you to do so.

What Happens During ERCP?

Sedation or anaesthesia is given to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

The doctor passes a flexible endoscope through the mouth and guides it into the small intestine. Contrast dye may be used to view the bile and pancreatic ducts on X-ray.

Depending on the problem, the doctor may remove a stone, widen a narrowed duct, collect a tissue sample or place a stent.

The time required depends on the complexity of the condition and the treatment performed.

Recovery After ERCP

After ERCP, you will be monitored until the effects of sedation begin to wear off. Temporary bloating, nausea or a mild sore throat may occur.

Some patients can return home after observation, while others may need to remain in the hospital. Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home if you are discharged on the same day.

Follow the doctor’s instructions about food, medicines and physical activity. Patients undergoing Jaundice Treatment in Coimbatore may require follow-up blood tests to check whether bilirubin and liver enzyme levels are improving.

Risks of ERCP

ERCP is commonly performed, but it has possible risks. These include:

Inflammation of the pancreas
Bleeding
Bile-duct or gallbladder infection
A tear in the digestive tract
Reaction to sedation or anaesthesia
Movement or blockage of a stent
Need for another procedure or surgery

The doctor will explain the expected benefits, alternatives and individual risks before asking for consent.

When should you contact the Hospital?

Seek medical attention after ERCP if you develop:

• Severe or increasing abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Breathing difficulty
• Black stools
• Vomiting blood
• Dizziness or fainting
• Worsening jaundice

Do not ignore severe pain or fever following the procedure.

Why choose GEM Hospital for ERCP?

GEM Hospital provides coordinated evaluation and treatment for jaundice and conditions affecting the bile ducts, gallbladder, liver and pancreas.

Patients can benefit from:

Experienced gastroenterology specialists
Advanced endoscopy facilities
Diagnostic imaging and blood tests
Bile-duct stone removal
Stent placement and bile drainage
Care before and after ERCP
Multidisciplinary support for complex conditions

At Gem Hospital in Chennai, patients are assessed to determine whether ERCP or another treatment is more appropriate. Our approach to Jaundice Treatment in Chennai focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause rather than jaundice alone.

Book an Appointment

Persistent jaundice, dark urine, pale stools or upper abdominal pain may indicate a blocked bile duct. Timely diagnosis can help reduce the risk of infection and liver-related complications.

Book an appointment at Gem Hospital Coimbatore for ERCP evaluation and Jaundice Treatment in Coimbatore.

Frequently Asked Questions

ERCP can treat jaundice caused by a blockage in the bile duct. It may be used to remove stones, widen a narrowed area or place a stent.

ERCP is an endoscopic procedure performed through the mouth. It does not require a conventional abdominal incision.

Sedation or anaesthesia is used to keep the patient comfortable. Mild bloating or a sore throat may occur afterward.

Yes. Many common bile-duct stones can be removed during ERCP using small balloons, baskets or other instruments.

A bile-duct stent is a small tube that keeps a narrowed or blocked duct open. Some stents need to be removed or replaced later.

Some patients can go home following a period of observation. Others may need hospital admission depending on their condition and the treatment performed.

Seek medical help for severe abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, black stools, vomiting blood or worsening jaundice.

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