Gallstones are very common and often silent. Trouble starts when they block the flow of bile — causing attacks of pain, infection, jaundice, or inflammation of the pancreas. When a stone moves into the bile duct, the treatment of choice is ERCP: an advanced endoscopic procedure that reaches the duct through the mouth and removes the stone without any surgical cut.
Warning signs of gallstone trouble
- Attacks of pain in the right upper belly, often after heavy or oily meals
- Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder, with nausea
- Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice) with dark urine
- Fever with abdominal pain — a sign of infection needing urgent care
What ERCP involves at the centre
Under sedation, a specialised endoscope is guided to the opening of the bile duct; the stone is then extracted and, if needed, a small stent keeps the bile flowing. Prof. Dr. Sherbat Khan brings over two decades of continuous ERCP practice — an expertise that remains rare at provincial level — performed at the centre with X-ray (C-arm) guidance.
ERCP and gallbladder surgery — what's the difference?
ERCP clears stones from the bile duct. If the gallbladder itself keeps forming stones, a planned laparoscopic gallbladder operation may still be advised afterwards — the doctor explains honestly what you need, and refers for surgery only when it’s genuinely required.
Frequently asked questions
Is ERCP an operation?
Do all gallstones need treatment?
Why does the doctor's ERCP experience matter?
This information is for general awareness and does not replace an examination. Do not start or stop any medicine without your doctor’s advice.