|
|
Endoscopic Bile duct stone removal abroad
Endoscopic Bile duct stone removal Cost Package:
{Cost covers all medical & logistics costs at destination}
International Destinations: India, Jordan, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey
The presence of gallstones in the common bile duct is referred to as choledocholithiasis.
Invariably, the stone from the gallbladder passes into the biliary duct system
causing obstruction of the bile duct. This in turn, may lead to damage of the
cells of the liver and symptomatically manifest as jaundice. In the United States,
the incidence of gallstones is about 20% in people belonging to the age group
of 65 years and above.
Clinically, 80% of gallstones don't present with any symptoms or other problems,
however, if the stone passes down into the common bile duct, it is potentially
dangerous, (which is a possibility in 15% of the patients). Patients suffering
from choledocholithiasis are at the risk of developing pancreatitis. The objective
of the endoscopic surgery is to relive the blockage which is done using Endoscopic
Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which is a diagnostic test along
with a procedure called ERS (Endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy), which involves
a surgical cut into the muscle in the common bile duct, to remove the stone.
Bile duct surgery abroad provides a huge opportunity to save costs whilst ensuring
same quality of surgical care and medical outcomes.
Endoscopic removal of bile stones in the Bile Duct
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure
for detecting problems in the bile ducts, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
- The procedure involves the use of an endoscope in conjugation with X-rays.
A flexible and long tube is inserted into the duodenum and a dye is injected
into the biliary system, which is viewed on the X-ray.
- The procedure is conducted under the influence of local anesthesia, to
numb the throat and allow swallowing of the endoscope, while sedation is given
to allow the patient to relax during the procedure. The diagnostic procedure,
along with the removal would take between half an hour to a couple of hours.
- Once the abnormality is detected, Endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy
is conducted to relive the obstruction and alleviate pain
- During sphincterotomy, surgical instruments are inserted to stretch the
duct, which then allows easy access into the biliary duct system subsequently.
After the duct is stretched, additional instruments are inserted to remove
the stone or stretch the bile duct to relive symptoms of pain and obstruction.
- Occasionally, the stone is associated with inflammation which may cause
a stricture (i.e. resulting in narrowing of the affected part of the bile
duct). In such cases a stent is placed in the bile duct to maintain the patency
of the duct. The stent may be a permanent or temporary stent. Temporary stents
are used to maintain the patency more frequently in conjunction with ballooning
dilation procedure (when an inflated balloon is used to stretch the stricture).
However stents tend to clog the biliary system and may require a second procedure,
to be removed or replaced after a few months.
Preparation for the endoscopic removal of stone in the bile duct
- It is essential to ensure that the intestinal tract is empty for the procedure
and hence the patient is asked to avoid eating or drinking at least eight
to twelve hours prior to the procedure
- Antibiotics are prescribed before the procedure, to ensure protection against
any infection that could possibly occur after the procedure
- The patient is also expected to stop any medications like aspirin, NSAIDs
(non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or other blood thinning drugs a week
prior to the scheduled date of the procedure, as these drugs tend to interfere
with the ability of the blood to clot.
- For the diagnostic Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
procedure, the patient is made to lie on his left side. The patient is asked
to swallow local anesthesia, so as to numb the throat and facilitate the swallowing
of the endoscopic tube. Concurrently, sedation is also given to reduce anxiety.
Post operative Care after endoscopic removal of stone in the bile duct
- After the endoscopic removal, the patient is hospitalized for a day or
two, as the physician would want to observe the patient for signs of complications
- Post operatively some amount of discomfort is common. Tenderness or sensation
of a lump may be present for some hours after the surgery. Pain killers may
be prescribed in case of too much pain and discomfort.
- Altering or changing the diet is not required after the removal of bile
stones in the common bile duct. However clinical evidence is suggestive of
the benefits of a fat free diet in reducing incidences of diarrhea and abdominal
bloating. " Though the patient is discharged within a couple of days, Physical
exertion has to be avoided for a few weeks. It is best to return to routine
work after a rest of couple of weeks.
Risks associated with endoscopic removal of bile stone from the common bile
duct
Although complications are less frequent after the endoscopic surgery, overall
complication rate ranges from 5-10%. The complications include,
- Over stretching of the bile duct which may result in a perforation or a
hole
- Use of sedatives during the procedure may decrease cardiac and respiratory
function, which however return to normalcy after the effect of the sedation
wears off (i.e. within a few hours after the surgery)
- Other major complications associated with endoscopic surgery to remove bile
stone includes, pancreatitis (which occurs in 2.3% of the patients), cholangitis
(inflammation of bile ducts and occurs in less than 1% of the patients) or
bacteremia, which may occur due to the passage of bacteria into the blood
stream after the surgery.
- Hyperamylasemia (i.e. increase in levels of serum amylase) can occur in
8.3% of the cases
Management of gall stone in bile duct abroad saves considerable amount of expenses
of the patients whilst ensuring same quality of medical care and medical outcome
in comparison to the United States.
Endoscopic Bile stone removal surgery in India:
India has emerged as a centre for medical
tourism thanks to its low cost gall stone surgery which allows cost savings
of over 80% for American patients. Highly qualified medical teams and international
standards of quality and medical protocols have resulting in the growth of the
medical tourism market in the country. There are several JCI accredited hospitals
in the country which provide quality medical care at low cost, compared to American
Hospitals.
Endoscopic Bile stone removal surgery in Mexico:
Being close to the United States, health
care in Mexico is rated as one of the best in the world. Mexican
doctors are known for their international quality of medical care services
in the United States. With additional advantages of cultural similarity and
low cost of gall stone removal surgery abroad, Mexico is one of the most preferred
medical tourism destinations.
Endoscopic Bile stone removal surgery in Turkey:
For almost a decade, Turkey has been providing low cost and good quality of
medical care to international patients, especially from the Middle East. Turkey
offers multiple treatment options to international patients and has several
specialized healthcare institutions. As Turkey attempts to enter the league
of the European Union, its medical care protocols are becoming increasingly
stringent and at par with international standards.
Endoscopic Bile stone removal surgery in Jordan:
Jordan has been labeled as one of the most rapidly growing medical tourism
destinations across the world. This is attributed to its superior quality of
medical care, specialized and trained team of medical professionals, internationally
accredited hospitals and latest and advanced technological equipments. Management
of bile duct abroad, has the biggest advantage of cost savings for American
patients
Endoscopic Bile stone removal surgery in South Korea:
A relatively newer destination in the medical tourism industry, South Korea,
has focused extensively on upgrading its healthcare infrastructure, by using
hi-tech equipments and technology. This Far East country offers significant
cost savings for foreign patients, especially Americans, whilst maintain quality
of care, at par with American standards.
Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable Endoscopic Bile
duct stone removal abroad at many international locations. Fill out the free
estimate request form for a free quote & more information.
|
Go
to top