Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Dealing with blockages in the biliary or pancreatic ducts is fundamentally different from managing general digestive issues. Patients rarely present with minor complaints; instead, they often arrive in distress with severe pain, jaundice, or active infection. They don't just need a diagnosis. Rather, they need immediate intervention to drain an obstructed system.
At Aster Hospitals, the ERCP procedure department focuses on these complex cases because when it comes to bile duct stones or strictures, time is of the essence to prevent permanent liver damage or life-threatening pancreatitis.
Many patients ask, "What is ERCP?" It is not a standard endoscopy. Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a highly specialised technique that combines the use of endoscopy and radiological imaging to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Unlike a standard gastroscopy, which looks at the lining of the stomach, an ERCP allows the gastroenterologist to access the ducts of the liver and pancreas, the ducts that carry digestive fluids. It is a minimally invasive technique which is an alternative to open surgery, allowing us to remove gallstones blocking the bile duct or place stents to relieve blockages caused by tumours.
Patients are usually referred to a gastroenterologist in Dubai following an ultrasound or CT scan that reveals a problem in the biliary tree. The conditions we treat most frequently include:
Performing an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography requires a high level of precision and skill. The approach is structured as follows:
Sedation and Access: The patient is sedated, and a flexible side-viewing endoscope (duodenoscope) is passed through the mouth, stomach, and into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Cannulation: The ERCP specialist identifies a tiny opening called the Ampulla of Vater. A small catheter is threaded into this opening to deliver a contrast dye into the bile and pancreatic ducts for clearer imaging.
Imaging and Therapy: X-rays are taken to visualise the ducts. If a stone is found, a small incision (sphincterotomy) is made to enlarge the opening, allowing the stone to be extracted with a balloon or basket. If a tumour is causing a narrowing, a stent is placed to restore flow.
Safety Monitoring: Throughout the ERCP procedure, vital signs are closely monitored at our gastroenterology hospital in Dubai to ensure patient safety.
While ERCP is less invasive than surgery, it is technically more demanding and carries higher risks than a standard endoscopy. The most significant risk is post-ERCP pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas caused by the procedure. Other risks include bleeding, infection, and perforation of the bowel.
These potential complications make it essential to choose the best hospital for ERCP in Dubai, where advanced equipment and experienced specialists can minimise complications and manage them effectively if they arise.
When a patient's biliary system is blocked, they require a facility that operates 24/7 with critical care support. Patients searching for endoscopy hospitals in Dubai choose us because we are a premier Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Hospital in Dubai with a dedicated team of interventional endoscopists.
We utilise state-of-the-art imaging and therapeutic tools to ensure high success rates in stone extraction and stenting. Our integrated critical care unit ensures that any post-procedure complications are managed immediately, providing the highest standard of safety for our patients.
Moreover, patients can visit Aster Hospitals at multiple locations in Dubai, including Mankhool, Al Qusais, Jebel Ali, and Muhaisnah.
An ERCP requires a steady hand and years of specialised training. Our team of ERCP specialists in Dubai is comprised of internationally trained gastroenterologists who have completed fellowships in advanced endoscopy. They have performed thousands of these complex procedures, offering patients the best chance for a rapid recovery without the need for open abdominal surgery.
ERCP is primarily used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile and pancreatic ducts. This includes gallstones trapped in the bile duct, tumours (cancer), strictures (narrowing of the ducts), leaks in the biliary system, and unexplained abdominal pain suspected to be from biliary or pancreatic origin.
The ERCP procedure typically takes between 30 minutes and an hour. However, the duration can vary depending on the complexity of the anatomy, the need for stone removal, or the placement of stents. Patients should expect to stay in the recovery area for several hours afterwards for monitoring.
The procedure itself is performed under sedation or anaesthesia, so patients should not feel pain during the examination. You may feel a sensation of bloating or gas afterwards due to air introduced during the scope. There is usually mild throat discomfort, which resolves quickly.
Preparation involves fasting (no food or drink) for at least 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Your doctor will review your medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be stopped days in advance. You will need someone to drive you home since sedation impairs your ability to drive.
While generally safe, risks include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to sedation. In rare cases, the intestine may be perforated. The risk is significantly lower when performed by experienced specialists at a fully equipped Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Hospital in Dubai.
Last updated: 15-07-2026
Heart valve repair preserves your natural valve, while heart valve replacement removes the damaged valve and replaces it with an artificial or biological valve. Doctors usually recommend repair whenever possible because it…
Most people associate heart problems with chest pain, but that is not always the case. Feeling dizzy or fainting can also be a sign that your heart is not working as it should. While these symptoms are often caused by less serious…
Your heart is designed to keep moving, and regular physical activity is one of the best ways to keep it strong and healthy. Think of your heart as a high-performance engine. If a sports car sits in the garage for too long, its…
Your heart often gives you clues when it is not working as it should. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or a racing heartbeat may seem easy to dismiss, but they can sometimes point to an underlying heart condition.…
A crushing weight on your chest, pain spreading down your left arm, sudden sweating and breathlessness. That is the picture most people imagine when they think of a heart attack. The reality is rather more complicated, and…
Experiencing persistent leg pain or unexplained numbness can be deeply unsettling, particularly when simple activities like walking become a struggle. It's one of the classic signs that the arteries in your legs might be…
Your heart orchestrates every single beat with flawless precision to keep your body thriving. When this rhythmic system fails to send signals properly, it affects the circulation of blood throughout your body. However, a heart…
Your heart often gives early warning signs before a serious problem develops. Recognising them and seeking timely medical attention can make a significant difference in your health outcomes. You have probably heard about…
For some people with coronary artery disease, medications and lifestyle modifications alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, procedures such as angioplasty with a stent or bypass surgery may be recommended to improve blood…
Ignoring a sudden heart warning sign can delay life-saving medical care. A squeezing pressure in the chest could be a major issue, with your heart sounding like a loud alarm. Understanding what this pain means and what to do next…
