ERCP is an advanced endoscopic procedure that treats problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts — clearing bile-duct stones, relieving blockages and placing stents — without the need for open surgery.
Endoscopic treatment of the bile & pancreatic ducts
Bile-duct stones, blocked bile duct, jaundice, leaks
Done under sedation or anaesthesia
Treats duct problems without open surgery
What is ERCP?
ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) combines endoscopy with X-ray imaging to access the bile and pancreatic ducts through the natural opening in the duodenum. Today it is primarily a treatment procedure, allowing duct problems to be fixed without surgery.
What it detects & treats
ERCP removes stones trapped in the bile duct, relieves blockages causing jaundice, places stents to keep ducts open, and treats leaks and narrowings. It is often used alongside gallbladder surgery when a stone has slipped into the bile duct.
What to expect
The procedure is performed under sedation or anaesthesia and typically takes 30–60 minutes. Patients are monitored afterwards and many go home the same day or the next, depending on what was treated.
Gallbladder stones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause righ…
Cirrhosis of the LiverCirrhosis is advanced, long-term scarring of the liver caused by ongoing damage…
Pancreatic CancerPancreatic cancer is an aggressive tumour of the pancreas that often causes few…
How we treat ERCP (Bile Duct Endoscopy)
An endoscopic procedure that clears bile-duct stones, relieves blocked bile ducts and places stents — avoiding open surgery for many biliary problems.
View treatment details →Cashless insurance accepted at our network hospitals, with EMI options available. Every patient gets a written, transparent estimate before any procedure — no surprises.
Dr. Avinash Tank, MBBS · MS (General Surgery) · MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology, SGPGIMS)
SGPGIMS (India's premier GI centre) + advanced training in Japan & South Korea. Super-specialist gastrointestinal, bariatric & cancer surgeon treating ERCP (Bile Duct Endoscopy) at Dwarika Hospital — Gastro, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgery Center.
Proof, not promises
Deep jaundice from a bile-duct stone relieved by ERCP — no open surgery needed.
Read the full case →
DWARIKA HOSPITALVerified Patient Story
Verified
More on ERCP (Bile Duct Endoscopy)
Day CelebrationWorld Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026
Day CelebrationWorld Sleep Day: Importance of Good Sleep
VaccineHPV Vaccination in Boys & Adult Males
Frequently asked questions
ERCP clears bile-duct stones, relieves blocked bile ducts (a common cause of jaundice), and places stents — all without open surgery.
No. ERCP is an endoscopic procedure done through the mouth under sedation, avoiding surgical incisions for many bile-duct problems.
Only if a stone has slipped from the gallbladder into the bile duct. ERCP can clear it, often before or alongside laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
Most people recover quickly and go home the same day or the next, with monitoring afterwards to ensure there are no complications.
Super-specialist GI, bariatric & cancer surgeon. SGPGIMS (India's premier GI centre) + advanced training in Japan & South Korea. Read full profile →
Last reviewed: July 2026