Cholangioscopy is a specialized endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the bile ducts — the tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine. It is performed using a thin, flexible endoscope (cholangioscope), often inserted through an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) scope for enhanced precision.
This advanced procedure helps in the diagnosis and treatment of bile duct stones, strictures, and tumors, allowing for targeted therapy and accurate biopsies without major surgery.
Cholangioscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to look directly inside the bile ducts using a small camera attached to a flexible tube. It enables gastroenterologists to see, diagnose, and treat problems such as bile duct stones, blockages, or growths in real time.
Your doctor may recommend cholangioscopy if you have:
It provides a clear, magnified view of the bile ducts for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
The doctor visualizes the ducts and may perform:
No. The procedure is not painful as it is done under sedation or general anesthesia. Patients may experience mild throat discomfort or bloating afterward, which subsides within a few hours.
Yes. Cholangioscopy is safe and minimally invasive when performed by trained specialists. Minor risks include temporary nausea, mild pancreatitis, or infection — all of which are rare and manageable.
| Aspect | ERCP | Cholangioscopy |
| Visualization | Indirect (X-ray guided) | Direct (real-time camera view) |
| Accuracy | High | Even higher — direct inspection |
| Therapeutic use | Stone removal, stenting | Targeted stone removal, biopsy, tumor visualization |
| Precision | Radiologic | Visual and targeted |
In many cases, cholangioscopy is performed as an add-on to ERCP for greater diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic precision.
Most patients experience quick recovery and minimal discomfort.
If you are experiencing jaundice, bile duct stones, or unexplained liver test abnormalities, the Gastroenterology & Interventional Endoscopy Team at Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) offers advanced Cholangioscopy for accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of complex bile duct conditions.
👉 Book an Appointment Online or visit BMH to consult our gastroenterology and hepatobiliary specialists.