Shouldn't there be proof during my ERCP that I have SOD?

Question

I recently had an ERCP done.  When I had my follow-up appointment with my GI he didn't tell me anything about the results but he did say that he thinks I have Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction.  I later found out on my own that my ERCP results came back normal.  Why would he say that I have SOD if there is no proof in the results?  Is there any other way the doctors can tell?  It seems to me like my GI is just guessing.  Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

sunnyc · Answer

Hi.  I have a CT scan scheduled on Friday but I don't actually see the bile and pacreas specialist until Dec. 17.  I appreciate your feedback and I'll be sure to post again as soon as I know anything.  Thanks Sunnyc

beebug · Answer

I wish you luck.  Let me know how your visit goes with the bile duct/pancreas specialist.

sunnyc · Answer

Thanks for your info.  I'm thinking another ERCP is in my future because I am going to see another doctor that specializes in bile duct and pancreas problems.  My doctor didn't mention anything to me about having measurements of any kind done or cleaning out bile or scar tissue for that matter.  (As a patient you don't really think about these things until after..I was basically thinking gallstones or gallbladder up until now) He basically told me it was done to see if there was any kind of blockage (gallstones)and that everything came back clear.  It was kind of a "worthless" ERCP but maybe not because it did get me recommended to someone else.  I have never had high alkaline phosphatase liver enzymes that I know of but my amylase count has been high due to pancreatitis.  Have had a lot of pain under the right rib and a lot of pressure.
I have a lot of trust issues with doctors because this pain has been going on for over three years and none of them have helped me so far.  I'll have to keep my fingers crossed for the next one.

beebug · Answer

RIcky G, An ERCP is done with a scope down your throat that looks into the bile duct and pancreas. SOD is sphincter of oddi dysfunction  which is the sphincter that goes from your bile duct into your  small intestine.  The dysfunction is when the sphincter stays shut and won't let the bile drain into the small intestine.

Sunny C, I had an ERCP done 3 weeks ago after suffering with pain and high alkaline phosphatase liver enzymes for 6 months.  Your doctor should have measured the pressure in your bile duct to see if you have SOD.  I had that . . . my bile duct was full of scar tissue and really bad bile. The doctor cleaned all of that out and  then cut a slit in my bile duct so the bile could drain out.  I don't think any doctor "worth his salt" would go down there and not measure pressure and just tell you that he thinks you have SOD.  I had a "worthless" ERCP done in August by a doctor too. I had to go to a doctor that specializes in bile duct and pancreas problems to get my problem taken care of.  You might want to find a more aggressive doctor.  Beebug

rickyg · Answer

Can I ask some questions about what is being discussed?  What is SOD and what kind of pain would it cause?  Also, I see quite a few people mention having an ERCP done - what is that?

Lor · Answer

When everything else comes back normal chances are you do -if you have all symptoms. To diagnose SOD you have to have the "ERCP with menometry done" on your Dr side it is a guess if he didn't measure the pressure in the duct. Then ask him if he thinks you have SOD why didn't he do a sphincterotomy to help relieve the pressure that causes SOD pain? (if he didn't)

Shouldn't there be proof during my ERCP that I have SOD?

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