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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
problems after gallbladder removal
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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problems after gallbladder removal
by trev1238, May 15, 2004 12:00AM
On the 30th Jan 2002 my mother had keyhole surgery to remove her gall bladder prior to the operation she had pains in her stomach, which were under control but painful. She was told cause of the pain was gall stones and the gall bladder had to be removed
After the operation the pains got a lot worse particularly in the upper abdomen area which was to be expected, but these pains did not go any easier they got much worse
She has been seen now by three different professionals and we are still no closer to an answer over the last two and a half years she has had a number of tests and scans. Which include
1. various blood tests
2. CT upper and lower abdomen
3. ERCP ( not successful )
4. camera orally
5. camera anal
6. MRI scan entire torso
7. cortisone injection into the stomach
8. ultra sound
9. MRCP
10. Barium meal
The results of the above were all negative with the ERCP they could not get the tube down far enough; during the last two and a half years my mothers condition has deteriorated resulting in her becoming practically bedridden
We are now at the stage where the doctors are saying there is nothing more they can do they are telling us she is one of the unlucky 5% who do not recover after an operation and that it is more than likely nerve damage
this does not help her quality of life and is totally unacceptable
Symptoms include
loss of appetite
weight loss
weak and drowsy
stabbing pains going from the solar plexus through to her back
lower abdominal pain so severe it almost stops her walking
feeling sick
bloated after only eating very small amounts
the smells of certain foods or even certain deodorants air fresheners etc make her feel sick
swollen stomach
There are two main concerns that are bothering us
1. When the operation was done they left a metal clip inside her this we believe is made from titanium, could she be allergic to this clip is it possible?
2. Could all these symptoms be coming from her ovaries?
please can anyone help or advise us as to what we can do
After the operation the pains got a lot worse particularly in the upper abdomen area which was to be expected, but these pains did not go any easier they got much worse
She has been seen now by three different professionals and we are still no closer to an answer over the last two and a half years she has had a number of tests and scans. Which include
1. various blood tests
2. CT upper and lower abdomen
3. ERCP ( not successful )
4. camera orally
5. camera anal
6. MRI scan entire torso
7. cortisone injection into the stomach
8. ultra sound
9. MRCP
10. Barium meal
The results of the above were all negative with the ERCP they could not get the tube down far enough; during the last two and a half years my mothers condition has deteriorated resulting in her becoming practically bedridden
We are now at the stage where the doctors are saying there is nothing more they can do they are telling us she is one of the unlucky 5% who do not recover after an operation and that it is more than likely nerve damage
this does not help her quality of life and is totally unacceptable
Symptoms include
loss of appetite
weight loss
weak and drowsy
stabbing pains going from the solar plexus through to her back
lower abdominal pain so severe it almost stops her walking
feeling sick
bloated after only eating very small amounts
the smells of certain foods or even certain deodorants air fresheners etc make her feel sick
swollen stomach
There are two main concerns that are bothering us
1. When the operation was done they left a metal clip inside her this we believe is made from titanium, could she be allergic to this clip is it possible?
2. Could all these symptoms be coming from her ovaries?
please can anyone help or advise us as to what we can do
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 16, 2004 12:00AM
, May 16, 2004 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) Although anything may be possible, I am not aware of people having an allergic reaction to a surgical clip.
2) I am not aware of an ovarian condition causing the symptoms. There has clearly been a very comprehensive workup completed. Other tests to consider would be a gastric emptying scan to evaluate for gastroparesis. If the ovaries continue to be of concern, you can consider a transvaginal ultrasound for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
1) Although anything may be possible, I am not aware of people having an allergic reaction to a surgical clip.
2) I am not aware of an ovarian condition causing the symptoms. There has clearly been a very comprehensive workup completed. Other tests to consider would be a gastric emptying scan to evaluate for gastroparesis. If the ovaries continue to be of concern, you can consider a transvaginal ultrasound for further evaluation.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
2) it's highly unlikely ovaries have anything to do with this: if they did, it would have to be ovarian cancer, which ought to have easily been detected on the scans, etc.
It might be worth considering, if she hasn't already, that she be seen at a major referral hospital, such as one at a university