Concierge ERCP · London
Private ERCP in London, by an interventional gastroenterologist.
A therapeutic procedure — not a screening test — by a high-volume interventional gastroenterologist, with HPB surgical support in-house if needed.
Why patients choose us
- 01
High-volume interventionalists
We route to BSG-recognised consultants doing ERCP week in, week out - volume drives safety.
- 02
HPB surgery on standby
Our units have same-day hepatobiliary surgical cover if a complication needs it.
- 03
Right test, not just ERCP
If MRCP or EUS is the safer first step, we say so. ERCP is a therapy, not a screening test.
Indicative pricing
What a private ERCP costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A therapeutic ERCP with stone removal or stent in our network: £5,000-£12,000, with findings on the day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic ERCP | £3,500–£7,000 | Half-day | Same-day |
| ERCP + stone removal | £5,000–£10,000 | Half-day | Same-day |
| ERCP + biliary stent | £6,000–£12,000 | Half-day | Same-day |
| ERCP + sphincterotomy | £4,500–£9,000 | Half-day | Same-day |
| Pancreatic-duct ERCP | £6,000–£12,000 | Half-day | 24 hrs |
| Repeat ERCP for stent change | £4,000–£8,000 | Half-day | Same-day |
Prices vary by unit, the anaesthetic choice, whether stents or cholangioscopy are used, and the length of stay. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Bile-duct stones, strictures, leaks - the wrong operator makes it worse.
ERCP is one of the highest-stakes endoscopic procedures. Volume and experience determine safety far more than any technology. We route only to interventionalists doing it often.
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Already had an MRCP?
Send it through. If ERCP is the right next step we say so - and if a different intervention is safer we say that too.
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Cholangitis and unwell?
Acute cholangitis with sepsis is a 999 emergency. Once stabilised, we route to a unit that can do urgent biliary drainage.
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Stent due for a change?
Plastic stents block over 3-6 months. We arrange scheduled exchanges before that becomes an emergency.
The journey
From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results - including the bit after the procedure.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
Day-case or overnight
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, any prior MRCP or EUS, blood results, insurer if you have one.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether ERCP is the right step, which interventionalist, which unit, indicative price.
- 03
Before
We arrange the admission
Usually within a week - sooner for acute cholangitis. We coordinate fasting, anticoagulation and the anaesthetist.
- 04
On the day
Admission, consent and anaesthetic
You are admitted as a day case or overnight. Deep sedation or general anaesthetic is planned with the anaesthetist.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
30-90 minutes. A side-viewing scope reaches the duodenum, the bile or pancreatic duct is cannulated, and stones, strictures or leaks are treated in the same sitting.
- 06
On the day
Recovery and observation
Several hours in recovery, often overnight. We watch for post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation.
- 07
After
Findings, cytology and next steps
The interventionalist explains what was done on the day. Any cytology or biopsy follows in 5-10 days and we make sure it is explained.
Typical end-to-end: 1-2 weeks. Urgent cases: days.
What it treats
The problems ERCP is designed to fix.
ERCP is a therapy - stones out, strictures open, leaks stented. These are the reasons people come to us.
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Gallstones in the bile duct
Removed in the same sitting via sphincterotomy and balloon extraction.
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Bile-duct strictures
Dilated and stented, with brush cytology to look for malignancy.
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Bile-duct leaks
Post-cholecystectomy or post-transplant leaks stented to divert bile and heal.
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Suspected pancreatic or biliary tumours
Tissue sampling and stenting for obstruction, in tandem with EUS and imaging.
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Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic-duct stones and strictures treated to relieve pain and obstruction.
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Pre-op bile drainage
Stenting to bring bilirubin down safely before HPB surgery.
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Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Dominant strictures dilated and brushed for surveillance.
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Red flag: acute cholangitis with sepsis
999 for urgent ERCP - biliary drainage within 24-48 hours can be life-saving.
Procedure types
Not all ERCPs are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Diagnostic ERCP
Cannulation and cholangiography to define the ducts when non-invasive imaging is inconclusive - now uncommon as a stand-alone.
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Stone removal
Sphincterotomy, balloon or basket extraction of common bile-duct stones.
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Biliary stent
Plastic or self-expanding metal stents to relieve obstruction from strictures or tumours.
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Sphincterotomy
A small cut in the sphincter of Oddi to widen the opening for stones or drainage.
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Pancreatic-duct ERCP
Stones, strictures or leaks in the pancreatic duct treated by dilation and stenting.
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Cholangioscopy (SpyGlass)
A miniature scope inside the bile duct for direct visualisation, targeted biopsy and electrohydraulic lithotripsy.
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Post-transplant ERCP
Anastomotic strictures and leaks after liver transplant, in a specialist transplant-experienced unit.
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Repeat stent change
Scheduled exchange of plastic stents every 3-6 months to prevent blockage and cholangitis.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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BSG-recognised interventional gastroenterologists
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High-volume ERCP centre
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Anaesthetist-led sedation
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Same-day HPB surgical support if needed
Safety and eligibility
ERCP has real risks - we plan them carefully.
Pancreatitis, bleeding, infection and perforation are all real. So is the benefit when ERCP is the right call. We plan the details.
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ERCP carries real risk
Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurs in around 3-5%, and bleeding, infection and perforation are all recognised. This is a therapeutic procedure, not a screening test.
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Weigh risk vs alternatives
MRCP is the diagnostic test of choice for the ducts; EUS is best for staging and tissue. We only proceed with ERCP when an intervention is planned.
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Fasted from midnight
Nothing to eat after midnight. Small sips of water may be allowed up to 2 hours before - the unit will confirm.
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Sedation or general anaesthetic
Deep sedation with an anaesthetist present, or a full GA. Choice depends on the case, your comorbidities and the expected duration.
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Overnight observation often
Many patients stay overnight to watch for pancreatitis and bleeding. Day-case discharge is possible for straightforward stent changes.
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Anticoagulation planned carefully
Warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelets need timed pausing before sphincterotomy - never stop these on your own. We coordinate this.
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Pregnancy is a special case
ERCP in pregnancy is possible with lead shielding and minimised fluoroscopy, in specialist units only. Tell us early if you are or might be pregnant.
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Driving restriction 24 hrs
No driving, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours after sedation or anaesthetic. Arrange someone to take you home.
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Not a routine screening test
ERCP is never used to screen for cancer or as a first-line diagnostic. If someone is offering that, seek a second opinion.
Reading your report
An ERCP report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However complex the intervention, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You will be told the headline on the day - the cytology detail takes a little longer.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and prior imaging
Your details, the indication for ERCP, and the MRCP, CT or EUS findings that led to it.
- 02 Technique
Approach, contrast and interventions
Cannulation approach, contrast used, sphincterotomy, stents deployed, stones extracted, brush cytology or biopsies taken.
- 03 Findings
Ducts, stones, strictures, cytology
The biliary and pancreatic ducts described, any stones or strictures characterised, and cytology results when back.
- 04 Impression
Read this first
Normal, findings, or next intervention - the interventionalist’s conclusion and the plan for follow-up ERCP or surgery.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover ERCP when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about ERCP.
Quick answers on cost, sedation, risks, stents and results.
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ERCP or MRCP - which do I need?
MRCP is the diagnostic test: a non-invasive MRI of the bile and pancreatic ducts with no radiation and no risk of pancreatitis. ERCP is the treatment: it puts a scope into the duct so stones can be removed or a stent placed. In modern practice we do MRCP first, then only proceed to ERCP if an intervention is needed.
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What are the risks of ERCP?
The main risk is post-ERCP pancreatitis, which affects around 3-5% of patients and is usually mild but can be severe. Bleeding after sphincterotomy, infection (cholangitis), and perforation are also recognised. Overall serious-complication rates are around 5-10% in most series - which is why ERCP is never done for a diagnosis alone if MRCP can answer the question.
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Sedation or general anaesthetic?
Both are used. Deep sedation with an anaesthetist present is standard for shorter cases in fit patients. A general anaesthetic is preferred for long or complex cases, cholangioscopy, post-transplant work, or anyone at high aspiration risk. We plan this with the anaesthetist before the day.
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How much does a private ERCP cost in London?
A diagnostic ERCP is typically £3,500-£7,000 in our network. Adding stone removal or a stent takes it to £5,000-£12,000 depending on complexity. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
ERCP is arranged after a specialist consultation so the interventionalist can review the MRCP or CT, confirm the intervention needed, and consent you for it. We can arrange that consultation quickly - no GP letter needed to get started.
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What are the fasting rules?
Nothing to eat from midnight before the procedure. Small sips of clear water may be allowed up to 2 hours before - the unit will confirm. If you are diabetic or on blood-thinners, we send tailored instructions.
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Is ERCP safe in pregnancy?
It can be done in pregnancy when the indication is urgent - most often for bile-duct stones causing cholangitis - using lead shielding and minimised fluoroscopy in a specialist unit. It is not used electively during pregnancy. Always tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
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When can I drive after ERCP?
Not for 24 hours after sedation or a general anaesthetic. You will also need someone to take you home. Most people are back to normal activities the next day if there is no pancreatitis.
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When is a stent needed?
A stent is placed when the bile duct is blocked and cannot be cleared - typically for tumours, tight strictures, or when a large stone cannot be removed in one sitting. Plastic stents are usually swapped every 3-6 months; metal stents can stay for a year or more.
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When should I see a GP - or call 999?
Call 999 for fever with jaundice and confusion after ERCP - that is acute cholangitis and needs emergency assessment. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting or black stools in the first 48 hours also need urgent review. For routine questions about symptoms or planned follow-up, see your GP or come back to us.
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