ERCP query from a newbie

[Guest guest]

I am a 38-year old male living in California. I am married with two

young kids. I have managed Crohn's disease fairly easily for the last

22 years, and am in otherwise good health. Following some pain in my

abdomen two weeks ago, my doc found gall stones and removed the gall

bladder. During the surgery he found PSC, large and small duct, with

the most significant stricture in the large duct. On the basis of the

cholangiogram, he believes that there is no cancer present.

I am now on Actigall and feeling fine, and my liver functions are

slowly returning to normal. My doc is recommending that we treat just

with drugs for now. However, we got a second opinion, and the second

doc is recommending we do an ERCP immediately and put in a stent.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this procedure? My first doc

believed that the risks associated with the procedure (pancreatitis in

particular)outweigh the benefits for now, and we should wait and see

how I do in the coming months. The second doc wants to see if he can

correct the stricture right away, as well to do a brushing.

I've heard that ERCP is unpleasant, but a fairly commonly-done

procedure. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. I want to do

whatever I can to minimize the chances of my liver getting unhealthy,

but the complications seem scary.

Thanks for allowing me to join the group! No one I know has ever

heard of the disease, and it's nice to know that I am not the only one.

[Guest guest]

You

are not alone, there are a big bunch of us from all

over the world! Welcome to our

group. Everyone will chime in on

your question, so you’ll get many different answers.

My son was in the same

situation in 2000. He/we decided if

it ain’t broke - don’t mess with it. You already have a firm diagnosis, and

if you’re not having problems, why do an invasive procedure – just because? I would be inclined to leave things

alone, unless and until you have problems.

Especially since you are on Actigal and say your LFTs are coming

down. They can schedule an ERCP

anytime you want one, so if you say no now, it doesn’t mean you can’t

have one in a month or year from now. By the way, my son never did need another

ERCP (he had one for diagnosis) and never had a stent.

Barb in Texas - Together in the Fight, Whatever it Takes!

Son Ken (33) UC 91 - PSC 99 - Tx 6/21 & 6/30/07 @ Baylor in

Dallas