Precision Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Treatment of Bile Duct Stricture

December 26, 2025

Patient Presentation and Initial Concerns

A 45-year-old woman school teacher from Sainthia in Birbhum district reached Desun Hospital with persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, and progressive jaundice. Her symptoms, especially jaundice and recurrent abdominal discomfort, pointed towards an underlying hepatobiliary disorder. Initial blood tests revealed elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and liver enzymes, raising suspicion of biliary obstruction.

Advanced Diagnostic Evaluation

The Gastroenterology team initiated a high-resolution MRCP, which revealed a narrowing of the common bile duct, following which an ERCP test, an advanced endoscopic-imaging procedure, was conducted to confirm the diagnosis and plan intervention. ERCP confirmed the presence of a benign bile duct stricture that was obstructing bile flow and was causing jaundice. The precision and speed of diagnosis highlighted Desun’s advanced imaging capabilities and expert Gastroenterology team.

With Desun Hospital recently receiving the prestigious JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation, the global benchmark for patient safety and quality, all diagnostic and endoscopic procedures in this case were conducted under internationally compliant protocols. This ensured enhanced safety, accuracy, and streamlined coordination throughout her treatment journey.

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Management

Once diagnosed, the priority was to relieve the obstruction and restore normal bile drainage. The patient underwent an endoscopic stenting procedure under conscious sedation and during the procedure, the Gastroenterology team dilated the narrowed duct to place a temporary plastic stent to allow bile to flow freely into the intestine. The procedure was completed without complications, and the patient experienced immediate relief from abdominal pain. Her bilirubin levels began decreasing within hours, and she was discharged the very next day, demonstrating the comfort and safety of minimally invasive endoscopic care.

Post-Procedural Evaluation and Long-Term Follow-Up

Although her symptoms were resolved, the Gastroenterology team wanted to ensure there was no concurrent pathology in the small intestine, which can sometimes mimic or contribute to such conditions. She underwent a capsule endoscopy, which is a sophisticated test where the patient swallows a camera capsule that captures thousands of images throughout the GI tract, ruling out any small bowel issues. Dieticians at Desun counselled her on liver-friendly nutrition, hydration, and periodic liver function monitoring. The patient attended regular follow-up visits, where stent checks, liver enzyme tests, and imaging ensured steady recovery and complete resolution of the bile duct stricture.

Outcome and Clinical Importance

Today, the patient is symptom-free, back to teaching full-time, and follows a healthy, monitored lifestyle. This case demonstrates Desun’s expertise in diagnosing and treating complex hepatobiliary disorders with minimal discomfort and rapid recovery. The integration of diagnostic excellence (MRCP, ERCP, capsule endoscopy), skilled interventional endoscopy, and continuous follow-up reflects Desun’s strength in delivering comprehensive, patient-focused gastroenterology care.