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post cholecystectomy pain
I had my gallbladder removed in November of 2000. Right after surgery I developed severe upper abdominal pain. I went from Dr to Dr searching for answers to my pain. After a year and a half I was finally diagnosed with SOD by ERCP with menometry whiched found high pressure in my bile duct. I also had elevated liver ensymes. I had a sphincterotomy done on my bile duct and the pain went away.
Now the pain is back - though not daily ,and by far not as severe. My question is: my pain always starts with an empty stomach. First sign is hungar pains which quickly turns into a sharp pain just below the sturnum. This is the same pain I had before my shincteromy. I am not able to go through the night without getting up to have something to eat. I've had several EGD's that have found no ulcers or gastritis. Is there anyway to stop this pain or how to go about finding out what is causing it? Is it possible the sphincter has formed scar tissue that has to come out?
Now the pain is back - though not daily ,and by far not as severe. My question is: my pain always starts with an empty stomach. First sign is hungar pains which quickly turns into a sharp pain just below the sturnum. This is the same pain I had before my shincteromy. I am not able to go through the night without getting up to have something to eat. I've had several EGD's that have found no ulcers or gastritis. Is there anyway to stop this pain or how to go about finding out what is causing it? Is it possible the sphincter has formed scar tissue that has to come out?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
I have researched previously on SOD and post-cholecystectomy syndrome. I will reprint my research here.
The term postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) describes the presence of symptoms after cholecystectomy. These symptoms can represent either the continuation of symptoms thought to be caused by the gallbladder or the development of new symptoms normally attributed to the gallbladder. PCS also includes the development of symptoms caused by removal of the gallbladder.
Two types of problems may arise. The first problem is continuously increased bile flow into the upper GI tract, which may contribute to esophagitis and gastritis. The second consequence is related to the lower GI tract, where diarrhea and colicky lower abdominal pain may result. This article mainly addresses the general issues of PCS.
PCS reportedly affects about 10-15% of patients. A wide range of symptoms occurs. Symptoms are sometimes considered to be associated with the gallbladder. Colic is found in 93% of patients, pain in 76%, jaundice in 24%, and fever in 38%. The cause of PCS is identifiable in 95% of patients.
The workup for PCS is variable. An extensive study of the patient should be performed in an attempt to identify a specific cause for the symptoms and to exclude serious postcholecystectomy complications. Surgical reexploration should be considered a last resort.
The treatment depends on what is found on evaluation - it will vary depending on what the cause of your symptoms are.
My previous research on SOD can be found here:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=119275
I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Links:
http://www.reginadoctor.de/pch.htm
eMedicine - Post-cholecystectomy syndrome
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2740.htm
I have researched previously on SOD and post-cholecystectomy syndrome. I will reprint my research here.
The term postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) describes the presence of symptoms after cholecystectomy. These symptoms can represent either the continuation of symptoms thought to be caused by the gallbladder or the development of new symptoms normally attributed to the gallbladder. PCS also includes the development of symptoms caused by removal of the gallbladder.
Two types of problems may arise. The first problem is continuously increased bile flow into the upper GI tract, which may contribute to esophagitis and gastritis. The second consequence is related to the lower GI tract, where diarrhea and colicky lower abdominal pain may result. This article mainly addresses the general issues of PCS.
PCS reportedly affects about 10-15% of patients. A wide range of symptoms occurs. Symptoms are sometimes considered to be associated with the gallbladder. Colic is found in 93% of patients, pain in 76%, jaundice in 24%, and fever in 38%. The cause of PCS is identifiable in 95% of patients.
The workup for PCS is variable. An extensive study of the patient should be performed in an attempt to identify a specific cause for the symptoms and to exclude serious postcholecystectomy complications. Surgical reexploration should be considered a last resort.
The treatment depends on what is found on evaluation - it will vary depending on what the cause of your symptoms are.
My previous research on SOD can be found here:
http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=119275
I stress that this answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Links:
http://www.reginadoctor.de/pch.htm
eMedicine - Post-cholecystectomy syndrome
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2740.htm
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