Acute Cholangitis
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Emergency Biliary Drainage
Advanced Emergency & Hepatobiliary Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is Acute Cholangitis?
Acute cholangitis is a serious infection of the bile ducts caused by obstruction and bacterial contamination.
It is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent hospitalization and intervention.
Common Causes of Acute Cholangitis
✔ Gallstones in the bile duct
✔ Biliary strictures
✔ Tumors of bile duct or pancreas
✔ Blocked biliary stents
✔ Post-ERCP complications
Symptoms of Acute Cholangitis
✔ High-grade fever with chills
✔ Right upper abdominal pain
✔ Jaundice
✔ Nausea and vomiting
✔ Dark urine and pale stools
Emergency Warning Signs 🚨 (Reynolds Pentad)
🚨 Fever
🚨 Jaundice
🚨 Abdominal pain
🚨 Hypotension
🚨 Altered mental status
Acute cholangitis is a medical emergency.
How Is Acute Cholangitis Diagnosed?
✔ Blood tests (infection markers, liver function tests)
✔ Ultrasound abdomen
✔ CT scan abdomen
✔ MRCP
✔ Blood cultures
Emergency Treatment & Stabilization
✔ ICU admission if required
✔ IV antibiotics
✔ IV fluids
✔ Pain management
Definitive Treatment Options
Endoscopic Treatment (Preferred)
✔ ERCP with biliary drainage
✔ Stone removal
✔ Stent placement
Radiological Intervention
✔ Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD)
Surgical Treatment
✔ Biliary decompression surgery
✔ Reserved for failed endoscopic or radiologic methods
Recovery & Follow-Up
✔ Completion of antibiotic therapy
✔ Definitive treatment of underlying cause
✔ Elective gallbladder surgery if indicated
✔ Regular follow-up
Possible Complications If Untreated
✔ Sepsis
✔ Liver failure
✔ Multi-organ dysfunction
✔ Death
How Can Acute Cholangitis Be Prevented?
✔ Early treatment of gallstones
✔ Regular follow-up after biliary procedures
✔ Timely intervention for jaundice
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
✔ Expertise in emergency biliary conditions
✔ Advanced endoscopic and surgical care
✔ Rapid decision-making
✔ Comprehensive hospital support
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment
Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building
Edulji Road, Charai,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
