What Is Common Bile Duct (CBD) Disease?

The common bile duct (CBD) is a small tube connecting your liver and gallbladder to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Bile — a digestive fluid produced by the liver — flows through this duct to help break down fats.

When the CBD is blocked, narrowed, infected, or damaged, the result is a group of conditions collectively called common bile duct disease. Without timely treatment, bile backs up into the liver, causing progressive organ damage.

Types of Bile Duct Diseases Treated at GASTROQURE

1. CBD Stones (Choledocholithiasis)

Stones that migrate from the gallbladder and lodge in the common bile duct. This is the most common bile duct condition treated with ERCP. Symptoms include sudden upper abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes, fever, and dark urine. Left untreated, it can cause severe infection (cholangitis) or pancreatitis.

2. Cholangitis (Bile Duct Infection)

A bacterial infection of the bile duct, almost always caused by a blockage. Cholangitis is a medical emergency. The classic triad of symptoms is fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain (Charcot’s triad). Urgent ERCP to drain the duct is life-saving.

3. Bile Duct Stricture

A narrowing of the bile duct caused by injury (often post-surgery), inflammation from pancreatitis, or chronic conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis. Stenting via ERCP is the primary treatment to restore bile flow.

4. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

A chronic liver disease causing progressive inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. Often associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Dr. Kapil Sharma manages PSC with ERCP-based interventions and coordinates hepatology follow-up.

5. Biliary Dyskinesia

A motility disorder where the bile does not flow properly from the gallbladder or through the CBD. Causes recurring right-sided abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea, especially after fatty meals.

6. Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)

A rare but serious malignancy of the bile duct lining. Symptoms overlap with other bile duct diseases, making early specialist evaluation critical. Dr. Kapil Sharma facilitates early diagnosis through EUS-guided biopsy and ERCP.

Symptoms of Bile Duct Disease – Do Not Ignore These

Bile duct diseases often present with overlapping symptoms. Seek immediate consultation with a bile duct specialist in Delhi if you experience:

• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (Jaundice)
• Severe pain in the upper right abdomen or below the right shoulder blade
• Dark yellow or brown-coloured urine
• Pale, clay-coloured, or greasy stools
• Persistent fever with chills (may indicate cholangitis — a medical emergency)
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Intense itching of the skin (pruritus)
• Nausea and vomiting after fatty food

How Is Bile Duct Disease Diagnosed?

Dr. Kapil Sharma follows a systematic approach combining blood tests, imaging, and endoscopic evaluation:

• Liver Function Tests (LFT): Elevated bilirubin, ALP, and GGT are key markers of bile duct obstruction.
• Ultrasound Abdomen: First-line imaging to detect dilated bile ducts and gallstones.
• MRCP (MR Cholangiopancreatography): Non-invasive gold-standard imaging to map the bile duct system without radiation.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS): Provides high-resolution imaging of the bile duct and surrounding structures. Dr. Kapil Sharma is among very few gastroenterologists in India performing interventional EUS.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Both diagnostic and therapeutic — can identify strictures, remove stones, and place stents in the same procedure.

Bile Duct Disease Treatment in Delhi – ERCP & Endoscopic Procedures

The gold standard for treating most bile duct diseases is ERCP — an endoscopic procedure performed under sedation without any surgical incision.

What Can ERCP Treat?

• Removal of CBD stones (choledocholithiasis)
• Placement of biliary stents for strictures or blockages
• Drainage of infected bile (cholangitis)
• Tissue biopsy for suspected bile duct cancer
• Balloon dilation of narrowed bile ducts

ERCP at GASTROQURE is performed by Dr. Kapil Sharma, who has advanced endoscopic training in therapeutic ERCP, EUS, and third-space endoscopy — making him one of a select group of gastroenterologists in India equipped to handle complex biliary cases.

Why Choose Dr. Kapil Sharma for Bile Duct Treatment in Delhi?

• 15+ Years of Experience: Senior gastroenterologist and hepatologist with expertise in complex biliary endoscopy.
• Advanced Endoscopic Capabilities: Trained in interventional EUS and third-space endoscopy — rare skills in India.
• ERCP Specialist: Performs diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP for stones, strictures, stenting, and cancer biopsy.
• No Unnecessary Surgery: Minimally invasive endoscopic approach means faster recovery and less risk.
• Same-Day Consultation: Rapid diagnosis and treatment planning to avoid dangerous delays.

Frequently Asked Questions – Bile Duct Disease

Q: Which doctor treats bile duct disease in Delhi?

A gastroenterologist or hepatologist with expertise in interventional endoscopy is the right specialist. Dr. Kapil Sharma at GASTROQURE, Kalkaji, is a bile duct disease specialist in Delhi with advanced ERCP and EUS capabilities.

Q: Can bile duct disease be cured without surgery?

Yes, in most cases. ERCP allows stone removal, stent placement, and drainage without any surgical incision. Open surgery is reserved for cases where endoscopic treatment is not feasible.

Q: What happens if bile duct disease is left untreated?

Untreated bile duct blockage causes bile to accumulate in the liver, leading to cholangitis (infection), liver abscess, sepsis, and permanent liver damage (cirrhosis). Early treatment prevents these complications.

Q: Is ERCP painful?

ERCP is performed under conscious sedation, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. There may be mild discomfort for a day or two afterwards. Most patients are discharged the same day or the next day.

Q: How long does ERCP take?

A standard ERCP for stone removal takes approximately 30–60 minutes. More complex procedures like stent placement may take slightly longer.

Q: What is the cost of ERCP in Delhi?

The cost of ERCP in Delhi varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the facility. Contact GASTROQURE at +91-96258-18164 for a transparent cost estimate and insurance guidance.

Book a Consultation with Delhi’s Bile Duct Specialist

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately from Dr. Kapil Sharma if you don’t want to experience any unintended consequences of your illness. Seek the bile duct treatment from the best!