failed sphincterotomy

[tweetLH]

Almost two month ago I had an ERCP and manometry test done to look into continued UR abdominal pain and continued vomiting.  They discovered sphincter of oddi disfunction and was successful at a shincterotomy at the liver side, but was unsuccessful to put in a stint on the pancreas side (trying to avoid pancreatic complications).  After procedure continued to have pain and vomiting and started running low grade fevers.  Blood-work showed that the liver enzymes were still a slightly high but better than before the procedure and and pancreas levels were considered normal but higher than they had been several months ago.  So two weeks later they did another ERCP, the doctor told my husband he tried for over thirty minutes and was unable to find the opening.  This is a highly recommended doctor, I live in San Antonio (only 3 doctors in this area that perform this procedure).  I continued to have problems, put in hospital for a week b/c not able to keep anything down.  One of the senior partners in the GI group was going to take another try.  So last Friday had a third ERCP and this doctor was unsuccessful as well.  At least this time I am not in the hospital yet, though my fever is becoming worse and pain meds are beginning to not help.  I currently take percaset and elavil for pain.  I am curious if anyone has come across this problem with not being able to get to the pancreatic duct and what can be done about this.  Both doctors are discussing another procedure (through a scope) that would be considered more aggressive, not sure of details.  I also thought I had read where they can do the sphincterotomy through more of a surgery type procedure.  I have been dealing with these problems and more for over a year, last spring I had my gallbladder removed and thought that was the end of things.  I really don't want to go down the surgery route but I am looking at the option that will get results.  The second doctor also discussed sending me to a hospital in Indiana that specializes in SOD.  So if anyone has thoughts or suggests I am all ears.  Ready to be feeling better.

[Drcarb11]

I went throgh the same as you. I had 8 ERCP's done and nothing worked.
On March 4th. I had a major surgery : transduodenal Sphincterotomy with pancreatic minor duct sphincteroplasty. 8 days in hospital, large incision, lots of pain.
Be careful to agree to this surgery. I still have the same symptoms.Pain, vomiting etc.
Have to go for follow up April 28th.
Lets see what happens next.....

[CalGal]

Indiana is a great suggestion. Be sure to follow-up on it. Check with the SOD group on yahoo. They have a lot of knowledge on the subject.

Also, any narcotic-based meds raise pressure in the ducts and can increase the pain. Talk to the doc about using some calcium channel blockers.