Noble Gastro & Liver Hospital

Cholangioscopy

Cholangioscopy: A Precision Tool for Bile Duct Diagnosis and Treatment

What is it?

Your doctor may recommend a cholangioscopy if you experience unexplained symptoms or conditions related to the bile ducts, such as:

  • Bile Duct Stones (Choledocholithiasis): Removal of stones causing blockages or infections.
  • Bile Duct Strictures: Identifying and assessing narrowing or obstruction in the bile ducts.
  • Bile Duct Tumors: Detection and biopsy of suspicious growths for accurate diagnosis.
  • Unexplained Jaundice: Evaluating causes of bile flow obstruction leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
  • Post-Surgical Complications: Assessing the bile ducts for issues after gallbladder or liver surgery.

Cholangioscopy is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat complex bile duct conditions with precision. By providing a direct, real-time view of the bile ducts through a specialized endoscope, it allows doctors to identify issues such as bile duct stones, strictures, tumors, and other obstructions. This advanced technique not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also enables targeted treatments like stone removal and biopsies, reducing the need for more invasive surgeries.

Noble Gastro & Liver Hospital

How is it done?

Cholangioscopy is typically performed using ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) with an ultra-thin cholangioscope passed into the bile ducts.

  1. Sedation: The patient is sedated for comfort.
  2. Scope Insertion: A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth, into the stomach, and into the small intestine, where the bile duct opening is located.
  3. Bile Duct Access: A specialized cholangioscope is passed through the main scope into the bile duct for a close-up view.
  4. Treatment or Diagnosis: The doctor can remove stones, take biopsies, or treat strictures using specialized tools.
FAQ

Cholangioscopy

Cholangioscopy is used to diagnose bile duct stones, strictures, tumors, and other abnormalities causing bile flow obstruction.

 

No, the procedure is performed under sedation to ensure your comfort.

 

The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition.

 

Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though minor throat discomfort may occur.

 

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