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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
post cholesystecomy pain
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.
post cholesystecomy pain
by denmac, Mar 02, 2006 12:00AM
Hi, I am 2 years post op, having had a lap choli. Everything went well until 7months post op I developed right sided pain under base of ribs. This is constant, and very tender to touch. like bruising. It can become sharp and is asocciated with nausea, vomiting, right shoulder pain. (I see lots of people with the same symptoms.) My pain is exaserbated by taking alcohol and strong analgesics, namely codiene and tramadol. When I have taken codiene recently, the pain almost knocks me out. Central and right quadrant. It is excruiating, with sweating and vomiting. Can last up to 4 hours. I am worried I have a problem with my liver now. Have been to my dr few times. LFT's normal. No check for pancreatitis, he thinks thats not possible! Ultra sound showed no dilation of the CBD, liver, looked normal. He is referring me to liver specialist on my request, but I am likely to wait up to a year for that. Should I be giving up alchol completely meantime? Please help. I am 35 year old female and I do not drink excessively. I can handle pain, but I need to know if there is possible damage.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 03, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 03, 2006 12:00AM
This question is similar to the one below.
Pain after a cholecystectomy can be caused by residual stones in the biliary duct, as well as Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Studies have shown that the latter disease can replicate gallbladder-like symptoms after cholecystectomy.
Tests to consider would be an MRCP to evaluate the biliary ducts, as well as an ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry.
If there is concern about any liver disease, abstinence from alcohol is always recommended.
I would discuss these options with your gastroenterologist.
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.
kevinmd_b
Pain after a cholecystectomy can be caused by residual stones in the biliary duct, as well as Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Studies have shown that the latter disease can replicate gallbladder-like symptoms after cholecystectomy.
Tests to consider would be an MRCP to evaluate the biliary ducts, as well as an ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry.
If there is concern about any liver disease, abstinence from alcohol is always recommended.
I would discuss these options with your gastroenterologist.
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.
kevinmd_b
Member Comments (1)
by kjgalaxy, Mar 02, 2006 12:00AM
sounds like sphincter of oddi problems. Do a search on this website for "oddi" and you'll see a lot of people with similar complaints.
by T1957, Aug 11, 2008 01:17PM
A related discussion, post cholecystectomy and alchol use was started.
