Advanced Biliary Endoscopy · Dubai
ERCP Specialist
in Dubai
ERCP is used for bile duct stones, strictures, and pancreatic duct problems — including cases referred when the anatomy or the history is not straightforward. Performed at HealthBay Clinics, Dubai.
About the Procedure
What is ERCP?
ERCP — Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography — sounds more complicated than it needs to. In practice, it is a procedure done under sedation that lets us look inside the bile ducts and pancreatic duct, using a camera and X-ray guidance.
The useful part is that diagnosis and treatment often happen together. A stone can be removed, a narrowing opened, a stent placed, or tissue sampled, without a separate operation. It sits well beyond a standard gastroscopy, which is why it needs specific training.
Conditions Treated
When ERCP is the right next step
Bile Duct Stones (Choledocholithiasis)
Stones that have moved from the gallbladder into the common bile duct — a common cause of jaundice and pancreatitis.
Biliary Strictures
A narrowing from scarring, inflammation, or tumour, which may need stretching or a stent.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
When a dominant stricture needs treating, or the ducts need a closer look.
Post-Liver Transplant Strictures
Narrowing at the join after transplantation — a familiar problem in transplant hepatology.
Pancreatic Duct Disorders
Selected cases of chronic pancreatitis, ductal stones, or strictures.
Jaundice from a bile duct tumour
Stenting to relieve blockage when the aim is comfort and liver function, not always cure.
Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction
A less common problem with the valve at the bile and pancreatic duct opening — assessed carefully before any intervention.
During the procedure
What can be done at ERCP
Bile Duct Stone Removal (Choledocholithiasis)
Biliary Stent Placement (Plastic & Metal)
Post-Transplant Anastomotic Stricture Management
Cholangioscopy (SpyGlass™ Direct Visualisation)
Intraductal Biliary Procedures
Complex Referral ERCP Cases
Pancreatic Duct Stenting
Sphincterotomy
Tissue Sampling & Biliary Brushings
Training
Why this procedure needs specific training
A post-CCT fellowship in advanced ERCP at St James' University Hospital in Leeds — a centre doing over a thousand of these a year — covered the range from routine stone extraction to post-transplant strictures, cholangioscopy, and difficult anatomy.
Colleagues in the region send biliary cases here when the situation calls for more than a standard endoscopy list provides.
Post-CCT Advanced ERCP Fellowship
St James' University Hospital, Leeds (UK)
CCT in Gastroenterology
UK General Medical Council
FRCP (UK)
Royal College of Physicians
PhD in Liver Disease
University of Leeds
17+ Years Clinical Experience
UK & UAE · Leeds Liver Unit · HealthBay Dubai
Published in The Lancet
ERCP in PSC — Frontline Gastroenterology
FAQ
ERCP in Dubai — questions patients ask
What is ERCP used for?
To look inside the bile ducts and pancreatic duct, and to treat what is found in the same sitting — stones, a narrowing, a blockage causing jaundice, or a problem after liver transplant. It is not a first test for vague abdominal pain; it is used when imaging already points to the ducts.
Is ERCP safe?
It is generally safe in experienced hands, but it is more involved than a standard gastroscopy. The main risk is pancreatitis afterwards, in about 3–5% of cases. That is discussed beforehand, along with what to watch for after you go home.
How long does ERCP take?
A straightforward stone extraction is often 30–60 minutes. Cholangioscopy, intraductal stenting, or a post-transplant stricture can take longer. Most people are observed for two to four hours afterwards.
Does Dr. Vinod Hegade perform complex ERCP in Dubai?
Yes. A dedicated post-CCT fellowship in advanced ERCP at St James' University Hospital, Leeds, covered the cases that sit beyond routine stone extraction: cholangioscopy, post-transplant anastomotic strictures, intraductal work, and difficult anatomy. Those referrals are a regular part of this practice at HealthBay, Al Wasl.
Appointments
ERCP at HealthBay, Dubai
HealthBay Gastroenterology & Digestive Health, Al Wasl Road, Dubai (Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM)
Medcare Hospital, Sharjah (Tue & Thu: 8 AM – 4 PM)
HealthBay Community Care, Motorcity, Dubai (Sat: 9 AM – 3 PM)
Also offering: Hepatology & Liver Disease · Colonoscopy & Endoscopy · Liver Disease Treatment