Cholangioscopy
Cholangioscopy is a noninvasive endoscopic technique used for direct visual diagnostic evaluation and simultaneous therapeutic intervention of the bile ducts. This endoscopic method allows for direct visual inspection and treats various types of conditions in the bile ducts without the need for invasive procedures.
Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills stand as a leading choice for cholangioscopy procedures in Hyderabad. With advanced facilities and a skilled medical team, we are committed to providing top-notch service and innovative treatment options for patients requiring cholangioscopy.
Types of Cholangioscopy
- Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC): Liver and bile ducts are examined using X-rays by inserting a slender needle into the liver, which delivers a contrast medium, helping in the visualisation of blockages within the liver and bile ducts.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Despite being a type of imaging, this procedure serves both diagnostic and treatment purposes and is often categorised alongside surgeries rather than traditional imaging techniques.
- Primary Cholangiography (or Perioperative): This procedure is performed in the operating room as part of a biliary drainage intervention.
- Secondary Cholangiography: It is a process that is followed by biliary drainage intervention.
Why Cholangioscopy Procedure?
- Biliary or Pancreatic Duct Stones: The endoscopist has access to specialised tools that can be used alongside the endoscope. For example, laser beams or sound waves can be employed to fragment a bile stone into smaller pieces (lithotripsy), or gentle pressure can be applied to stream water in order to flush the stone out of the duct.
- Bile Duct Blockage or Infection: Cholangioscopy enables the identification of the underlying cause of this issue, which may include bile duct stones, tumours, fungal or parasitic infections.
- Duct Strictures: This is a condition in which the bile duct gets narrow. Tools attached to the endoscope can dilate a narrowed bile duct to facilitate the correct flow of bile or to insert a stent—a slender, hollow tube placed into a duct to maintain its openness.
- Pancreatitis: It is eventually caused by biliary stones; hence, cholangioscopy is an effective way to overcome pancreatitis.
- Bile Duct Cancer: Cholangioscopy helps to identify excessive abnormal tissue growth and blood clots; moreover, it allows physicians to monitor it closely and take a specimen sample for biopsy without going for an open surgery. This technique can also help physicians in tumour removal or the treatment of cancerous regions using argon laser or phototherapy.
What Happens During Cholangioscopy?
- The probe is inserted through endoscopy.
- Patients receive nighttime sedation and remain awake during the procedure.
- To enhance comfort, a mouthpiece is inserted, and local sedation might be administered to prevent gagging or choking.
- The SpyScope, which is a specialised type of endoscope, is introduced through the mouth and guided down into the digestive tract.
- It is well equipped with a miniature camera and fibre optic probe, which help to visualise the condition inside the stomach.
- Based on the observation, the physician describes the diagnosis and decides whether to go for surgery or not.
After Cholangioscopy
- Continuous monitoring of physiological parameters, including blood insulin level, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood investigations, is being conducted.
- Maintaining an appropriate diet along with consistent exercise is advisable.
- A sufficient intake of water is essential to maintain hydration levels in the body.
- Seeking regular checkups from a doctor is recommended after surgery.
- Adhere to the prescribed medication regimen and promptly consult a doctor if any side effects occur.
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