ERCP Questions

I'm a 42 yr. old male. Had my gallbladder removed 2 years ago due to enlargement and contraction of 12%. Cronic (chronic) Hep. C infection for 18 years now, untreated. Recently I started suffering from agonizing pain in my right upper abdomen and back, just like the gallbladder pain only worse. Bad enough to have to take a leave from my employment. Dr. ran CAT scan, normal. Blood work all normal. The doc thinks I may have Sphincther of Oddi Dysfunction. I have an appt. with a GI the end of next month for an ERCP exam. What can I expect from this test? Are the risks of pancreatitis worth having the procedure done? Does anyone in the community have similar issues?

[CalGal]

The only way SOD can be diagnosed is through a combination of both looking at the symptoms and having an ERCP with manometry done. That ERCP HAS to have manometry to be diagnostic. If your doc can't do that step, and some can't, find a doc who can.

ERCP does run the risk of causing pancreatitis, but you can discuss the use of stents or botox which can decrease that risk.