Re: ORAL CHOLESYSTOGRAM

Posted By Deb on July 03, 1999 at 09:54:12
I have been having constant stomach pain for quite awhile (almost 2 yrs). My doctors have ordered a gammet of tests: EGD,Abd Ultrasound, BE, HIDA scan and many blood and urine (24hr studies); all of which have been negative for gallbladder. An UGI did show reflux. The HIDA scan did show a delay in emptying (?) but not too alarming so now they have ordered an Oral Cholesystogram.  I'm told it can sometimes reveal problems with the gallbladder that an Ultrasound misses.  The doctors I've seen; Family Practice and Gastro; feel it is the gallbladder but without proof on some kind of test, are reluctent to do surgery.  Of course, I don't want surgery to remove something that is working fine either, and from reading your forum, taking out a gallbladder because of pain doesn't necessarily help, but I would like to get away from this constant pain.  My symptoms are upper right abdominal pain radiating through to my back.  I am able to function but sometimes the pain is so intense that I have to resort to Percocet.  My current meds are: daily: Prilosec 40mg per day, Estrace 1mg per day, and Allegra 2 capsules a day. On an 'as needed basis": inhalers for asthma and Imitrex for migranes (migraines).  
My question is:  Will this latest test really help in finding something the US didn't (we had to find a hospital radiology dept. that could still do this old fashioned test)?  
Thank you in advance for any response you can provide.
Deb

[HVMA-GASTRO-MD---FWR]

Posted By HVMA GASTRO M.D. - FWR on July 07, 1999 at 08:17:57
Dear Deb:
Thank you for your question pertaining to abdominal pain and the use of the oral cholecystogram.  This is a test that is not commonly performed, however, there are instituitions where it has made a resurgence in popularity.  The test allows for visualization of stones and also has the advantage of assessing gallbladder function and patency of the cystic duct (the duct that leads from the gallbladder to the bile duct).  I think the study does have merit in the right clinical setting.  Good luck.  FWR










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