Complex ERCP Specialist in Greenville, SC
Advanced biliary and pancreatic endoscopy
What Is ERCP and Why Does Complexity Matter?
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a specialized procedure that uses an endoscope and X-ray to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. It is used to remove bile duct stones, place stents for strictures, and manage a range of biliary and pancreatic conditions.
Not all ERCP is equal. Routine ERCP can be performed by most gastroenterologists. Complex ERCP involving altered anatomy, difficult cannulation, large or impacted stones, malignant strictures, or prior failed attempts requires a higher level of training and procedural volume. Dr. Devani focuses specifically on these challenging cases.
For patients in Greenville, SC and across Upstate South Carolina who have been told their case is too difficult, or who have had a prior failed ERCP attempt, Dr. Devani offers advanced techniques including the EDGE procedure, digital cholangioscopy, and rendezvous approaches.
Complex ERCP Procedures Available in Greenville, SC
Complex Stone Removal
Large or impacted biliary and pancreatic stones requiring mechanical or electrohydraulic lithotripsy. Dr. Devani manages cases that have failed standard ERCP stone extraction.
Malignant and Benign Stricture Management
Precise stent placement to restore bile flow in patients with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or post-surgical and inflammatory strictures.
ERCP in Altered Anatomy
ERCP in patients with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Whipple procedure, or other complex surgical reconstructions. Includes the EDGE procedure (EUS-directed transgastric ERCP) for gastric bypass patients.
Digital Cholangioscopy
Direct visualization of bile duct lesions using SpyGlass technology, enabling targeted biopsies of indeterminate strictures and laser lithotripsy of difficult stones.
Rescue Cannulation
Rendezvous and precut techniques for cases where standard cannulation has failed. Dr. Devani accepts referrals for difficult-access ERCP from other gastroenterologists in the Greenville area.
Pancreatic ERCP
Management of pancreatic duct stones, strictures, leaks, and pancreas divisum. Specialized interventions for chronic pancreatitis-related complications.
ERCP in Greenville, SC — Common Questions
Who performs complex ERCP in Greenville, SC?
Dr. Kalpit Devani is a fellowship-trained interventional endoscopist in Greenville, SC with expertise in complex and high-risk ERCP cases. He accepts referrals from gastroenterologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians throughout Upstate South Carolina for cases involving altered anatomy, failed prior ERCP, large stones, and malignant strictures.
What is the EDGE procedure and is it available in Greenville?
The EDGE procedure (EUS-Directed Transgastric ERCP) is a technique used when standard ERCP cannot reach the bile duct after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Dr. Devani uses EUS to create a temporary connection to the bypassed stomach, allowing ERCP to be performed. This is one of the most technically demanding procedures in interventional endoscopy and is available in Greenville through Dr. Devani.
My ERCP failed at another center. Can Dr. Devani help?
Yes. Dr. Devani accepts referrals for cases where standard ERCP has been unsuccessful. Using advanced cannulation techniques including precut sphincterotomy, rendezvous approaches, and EUS-guided access, he is able to complete many cases that have failed conventional attempts.
Is ERCP safe? What are the risks?
ERCP is generally safe when performed by an experienced endoscopist. The most common complication is post-ERCP pancreatitis, which occurs in a small percentage of cases. Other risks include bleeding, infection, and perforation. Risk is influenced by the complexity of the case and the experience of the operator. Dr. Devani discusses all risks thoroughly prior to any procedure.
What conditions are treated with ERCP in Greenville?
Dr. Devani performs ERCP for bile duct stones, biliary strictures, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic duct strictures and stones, pancreatic leaks, chronic pancreatitis complications, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction evaluation, and post-surgical biliary complications including anastomotic strictures after liver transplant or Whipple procedure.
Can Dr. Devani perform ERCP after gastric bypass surgery?
Yes. Standard ERCP cannot reach the bile duct after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass because the normal anatomy is bypassed. Dr. Devani performs the EDGE procedure and GATE procedure, which use EUS guidance to create temporary access to the biliary system in these patients.
ERCP in Greenville, SC — Refer a Patient or Get in Touch
Dr. Devani welcomes referrals from physicians throughout Greenville and Upstate South Carolina for complex and high-risk ERCP cases.
Contact Dr. DevaniSee also: ERCP in Upstate South Carolina | EUS in Greenville, SC | Advanced Endoscopy Near Greenville