Advanced Care for Cholangitis
Relief from Bile Duct Infections
Understanding cholangitis
Cholangitis is a serious infection of the bile ducts, the channels that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. It usually happens when these ducts become blocked by gallstones, strictures (narrowing), or tumors, allowing bacteria to grow and spread. If untreated, it can cause life-threatening complications like sepsis and liver damage, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
In simple terms, cholangitis is a dangerous infection in the tubes that carry digestive fluid. It requires urgent medical attention to avoid severe health risks.
- Often linked to gallstones, strictures, or tumors blocking bile flow.
- Considered a medical emergency that must be treated promptly.
When Should You Seek A Specialist
Symptoms Of cholangitis
Severe Abdominal
pain
Sudden and intense pain in the upper right or middle abdomen that doesn’t go away.
Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
A classic symptom caused by bile duct blockage and infection.
High fever and
chills
Rapidly rising temperature often paired with shaking chills, signaling infection.
Low blood pressure or confusion
Indications of severe infection spreading into the bloodstream.
persistent nausea and vomiting
Digestive distress or nausea that worsens with
time.
dark urine and pale
stools
Clear signs of bile flow obstruction that should not be ignored.
Common Causes of cholangitis
Cholangitis is typically caused by obstruction and infection of the bile ducts. Here are the main reasons:
Gallstones blocking the duct
The most common cause, where stones from the gallbladder migrate and obstruct bile flow, leading to infection.
Tumors and Cancers
Growths in the bile ducts, pancreas, or gallbladder that press on or block the ducts.
Bile duct strictures
Narrowing of the bile ducts due to prior surgery, scarring, or inflammation, increasing the risk of infection.
Parasitic Infections
Rare but possible in some regions, worms can block bile ducts and trigger cholangitis.
Endoscopic or surgcial procedures
In some cases, medical interventions involving bile ducts can introduce bacteria or cause narrowing, leading to infection.
How We Diagnose?
Check for infection markers, liver function, and signs of bile duct obstruction.
First-line imaging to detect blockages, stones, or bile duct dilation.
A detailed MRI-based test to visualize bile ducts and spot obstructions.
Both diagnostic and therapeutic, this procedure helps identify blockages and can also remove stones or place stents during the same session.
Personalized treatments backed by expertise.
Treatment Options
Antibiotic Therapy
Immediate intravenous antibiotics to control infection and prevent complications.
Supportive
Care
Includes IV fluids, pain management, and close monitoring to stabilize the patient.
Surgical Interventions
In severe or recurrent cases, surgeries such as Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy are performed to create a new bile drainage pathway.
Endoscopic Drainage (ERCP)
The most effective treatment where blockages are cleared, stones removed, or stents placed to restore bile flow.
Why Trust Us for cholangitis Treatment?
Combined expertise of two leading liver surgeons
Dr. Vikas Patel has been part of more than 600 liver transplants, while Dr. Dharmendra Dangi has been part of over 500 liver transplants and performed 500+ complex liver and HPB surgeries. Together, they bring unmatched skill to even the toughest cases.
Experience with high-risk and pediatric cases
From critically ill adults to children needing delicate surgery, our team has successfully managed some of the most challenging and rare liver conditions. Both doctors are trained to manage challenging cases, including liver failure in children, elderly patients, and blood group mismatches.
Proven results using advanced techniques
We use the latest surgical and medical methods including minimally invasive procedures to ensure safer operations, faster recovery, and long-term success. Dr. Dangi is one of the few surgeons in India performing midline donor hepatectomy, a safer way to remove part of the liver from a living donor.
Nationally recognized for excellence
Our surgeons are trusted across India for their leadership in liver surgery. Their work has been featured in medical journals, presented at national conferences, and acknowledged in health magazines such as Silicon India (Top 10 Liver Transplant Surgeons, 2025).
OUR APPROACH
Accurate Diagnosis
using advanced imaging and testing
Personalized Treatment Plans
based on your stage and condition
Complete Pre & Post Transplant Support
when surgery is needed
A Multidisciplinary Team
Both surgeons jointly plan and perform procedures to ensure the best outcomes.
FAQ
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
Your concerns are valid. Here are expert answers to help you make confident decisions about your liver health.
Yes. Cholangitis can quickly progress to sepsis and organ failure if not treated immediately, which is why it is considered a medical emergency.
In many cases, endoscopic treatment with ERCP is enough to clear the blockage, making open surgery unnecessary.
People with gallstones, bile duct strictures, or cancers near the bile ducts are at higher risk.
The infection can spread into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, organ damage, and death.
Yes, recurrence is possible if the underlying cause (like stones or strictures) is not permanently resolved.
Yes, ERCP is generally safe and highly effective, but like any procedure, it carries small risks such as pancreatitis or bleeding.
Although rare, children with congenital bile duct problems or liver diseases may develop cholangitis.
Take the First step to a
Early diagnosis saves lives
A liver SOL can mean many things, from a harmless cyst to a serious cancer. The only way to know is through timely evaluation. Early diagnosis not only brings peace of mind but also ensures treatment options are more effective and less invasive.
Talk to Ahmedabad’s Trusted Liver Experts
At our liver transplant and HPB surgery care center, you are cared for by Dr. Vikas Patel and Dr. Dharmendra Dangi, two leading liver and HPB surgeons in India. With unmatched expertise in both simple and complex cases, they work together to bring you the best chance at recovery.