Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
ERCP in Noida – Advanced Bile Duct & Pancreatic Procedures at Fortis Hospital
If you have been diagnosed with a bile duct stone, obstructive jaundice, or a pancreatic duct condition — or if a surgeon or physician has referred you for ERCP — you are likely dealing with a condition that until recently would have required open surgery to treat.
ERCP changed that.
It is one of the most technically advanced endoscopic procedures in gastroenterology — and when performed by a trained specialist, it can diagnose and treat bile duct and pancreatic conditions entirely through the mouth, with no surgical incision required.
Dr. Sushrut Singh, Additional Director of Gastroenterology at Fortis Hospital, Sector 62, Noida, has completed a dedicated fellowship in Advanced ERCP under Dr. Malay Sharma — one of India’s most respected therapeutic endoscopists. Patients in Noida and Greater Noida no longer need to travel to Delhi for specialist-level ERCP care.
What Is ERCP?
ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. The name sounds complex — the procedure is not something to be afraid of.
A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the duodenum — the first part of the small intestine, right where the bile duct and pancreatic duct open into the gut. A tiny catheter is then guided through the endoscope into the duct opening. Contrast dye is injected to outline the ducts under live X-ray (fluoroscopy), allowing Dr. Sushrut to see exactly what is happening inside — blockages, stones, strictures, leaks, or tumours.
In most cases, whatever is found can be treated in the same session. Stones removed. Strictures dilated. Stents placed. All without making a single cut in the body.
What Conditions Does ERCP Treat?
Bile Duct Stones (Choledocholithiasis)
The most common reason for ERCP. Gallstones that have migrated from the gallbladder into the common bile duct cause blockage, jaundice, and infection. ERCP removes these stones directly — using a basket or balloon passed through the endoscope — eliminating the need for surgical bile duct exploration in the vast majority of cases.
Obstructive Jaundice
When the bile duct is blocked — by a stone, a stricture, or a tumour — bile backs up into the bloodstream, causing jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools. ERCP identifies the cause and in most cases relieves the blockage in the same procedure — restoring bile flow.
Biliary Strictures (Narrowing of the Bile Duct)
Strictures can be benign (caused by inflammation, chronic pancreatitis, or previous surgery) or malignant (caused by bile duct or pancreatic cancer). ERCP dilates benign strictures and places stents to keep the duct open. For malignant strictures, stenting restores bile drainage and tissue sampling confirms the diagnosis.
Acute Cholangitis (Bile Duct Infection)
A blocked bile duct that becomes infected is a medical emergency. Urgent ERCP drains the infected bile and relieves the obstruction — often within hours of the patient presenting with fever, jaundice, and abdominal pain. This is one of the most life-saving applications of ERCP.
Biliary Pancreatitis
When a gallstone obstructs the opening of the bile and pancreatic ducts, it triggers acute pancreatitis. Early ERCP to remove the obstructing stone reduces the severity of pancreatitis and prevents recurrence.
Pancreatic Duct Conditions
ERCP is used to manage pancreatic duct strictures, leaks (often following acute pancreatitis or trauma), and stones within the pancreatic duct. Stents are placed to allow the duct to heal or bypass the obstruction.
Post-Surgical Biliary Complications
Bile leaks and strictures are recognised complications following cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) or liver surgery. ERCP manages these effectively with stent placement — avoiding the need for repeat surgery in most patients.
Bile Duct Tumours — Diagnosis and Palliation
For suspected bile duct or pancreatic cancer causing obstruction, ERCP provides tissue samples (brush cytology, forceps biopsy) for diagnosis and places self-expanding metal stents to restore bile flow — significantly improving quality of life even in advanced disease.
ERCP Procedures Performed by Dr. Sushrut Singh
Sphincterotomy (EPT)
The sphincter at the bile duct opening is cut to allow stones to pass or improve drainage.
CBD Stone Extraction
Bile duct stones removed using a Dormia basket or balloon catheter passed through the endoscope.
Biliary Stenting
Plastic or metal stents placed to keep bile ducts open in strictures or compression.
Pancreatic Duct Stenting
Managing pancreatic strictures, leaks, or chronic pancreatitis with targeted stent placement.
Brush Cytology and Forceps Biopsy
Tissue sampling from bile ducts for cancer diagnosis during the same ERCP procedure.
Nasobiliary Drain (NBD) Placement
External drainage tube placed for severely infected bile ducts requiring urgent decompression.
Balloon Dilatation of Strictures
Dilating narrowed bile duct segments to restore normal bile flow without surgical intervention.
Cholangioscopy (Spyglass)
Direct visual examination inside the bile duct using a miniature camera for precision diagnosis.
What to Expect During ERCP at Fortis Noida
Before the Procedure
- Fasting for 6–8 hours is required.
- Blood thinners need to be paused in advance — Dr. Sushrut's team will advise the exact timeline.
- The anaesthesia team will assess you — ERCP is performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia.
- Dr. Sushrut will explain exactly what will be done and why before the procedure begins.
During the Procedure
- You will be lying on your left side or stomach on a fluoroscopy table.
- The endoscope is passed through the mouth while you are sedated — you will not feel this.
- Live X-ray guidance is used throughout to visualise the ducts and confirm stone clearance or stent placement.
- Most ERCP procedures take between 30 and 60 minutes. Complex cases may take longer.
After the Procedure
- You will be monitored for 2–4 hours post-procedure before discharge in most cases.
- Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a sore throat are common and resolve within 24–48 hours.
- Some patients — particularly after complex procedures — may require an overnight stay for observation.
- Dr. Sushrut will review the findings with you before discharge and outline the follow-up plan clearly.
Why the doctor performing your ERCP matters more than you might think
ERCP has one of the highest technical difficulty levels of any endoscopic procedure. Its success rate — and the risk of complications like post-ERCP pancreatitis — are directly tied to the training and experience of the endoscopist performing it.
Dr. Sushrut Singh completed his ERCP fellowship under Dr. Malay Sharma — a nationally recognised expert in therapeutic endoscopy. This level of specialised training is rare outside top Delhi hospitals. Patients in Noida now have access to it locally.
Frequently Asked Questions — ERCP in Noida
No. ERCP is an endoscopic procedure — the endoscope is passed through the mouth and no cuts are made anywhere on the body. It is performed under sedation in a specialised fluoroscopy suite, not an operation theatre. Most patients are discharged the same day or the morning after.
ERCP carries a small but recognised risk of complications. The most common is post-ERCP pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas — which occurs in approximately 3–5% of procedures and is usually mild. Other risks include bleeding (particularly after sphincterotomy), infection (cholangitis), and very rarely perforation. These risks are significantly reduced by an experienced endoscopist. Dr. Sushrut will discuss your individual risk profile in detail during the pre-procedure consultation.
In most cases, no — ERCP successfully removes bile duct stones without any surgery. However, if the gallbladder is the original source of the stones, your surgeon may recommend cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) as a separate procedure to prevent stones from forming again in the bile duct.
Most ERCP procedures take 30 to 60 minutes. Complex cases involving multiple stones, difficult strictures, or stent placement may take longer. Plan for a half-day at the hospital including preparation and post-procedure monitoring.
Obstructive jaundice — particularly when accompanied by fever or abdominal pain — can indicate a bile duct infection (cholangitis), which requires urgent attention. Contact Dr. Sushrut’s clinic immediately at 093153 54431. The team will prioritise your appointment accordingly.
Yes. ERCP can be performed as many times as clinically necessary. Patients with recurrent bile duct stones, stents requiring replacement (plastic biliary stents typically need changing every 3–6 months), or ongoing pancreatic duct issues may require more than one procedure.
Yes. Dr. Sushrut Singh performs ERCP at Fortis Hospital, Sector 62, Noida, which is equipped with a full fluoroscopy suite and a trained endoscopy support team. Insurance is accepted at Fortis Hospital.
Book Your ERCP Consultation in Noida
you have been diagnosed with bile duct stones, obstructive jaundice, a biliary stricture, or a pancreatic duct condition — or if you have been referred for ERCP by a physician or surgeon — contact Dr. Sushrut Singh’s team at Fortis Hospital, Noida.
Available Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM at Fortis Hospital, Sector 62, Noida. Also consulting at Gaur City Clinic, Greater Noida West — Mon–Sat 6–9:30 PM | Sun 12–3 PM.