secretin endoscopic ultrasound

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita,

I had secretin when Dr Lehman did my sphincterotomy. Secretin

stimulates the pancreas to emit digestive fluids that are rich in

bicarbonate which neutralizes the acidity of the intestines,

the stomach to produce pepsin (an enzyme that aids digestion of

protein), and

the liver to produce bile.

[Guest guest]

oops, forgot about the endoscopic ultrasound. It is similar to

endoscopy, but using a different attachment. It is fairly gentle on

the gastro tract. Works the same as an ordinary ultrasound, but they

can go into the pancreas to look for growths or damage and anything

else they might be looking for.

[Guest guest]

Nature

Hi all - Well, I went for my amylase and lipase tests today but of course I

wasn't in pain at the time. I'm supposed to get this ultrasound done and they

are calling me tomorrow to schedule it. Has anyone had one? I'm sure it's like

another ERCP but I understand they inject secretin which dilates the duct and

then they time how long it takes to return to baseline. At least that's what I

got out of the sites I found. It did say it's fairly invasive and

time-consuming, so I'm a little apprehensive, but most of all I'm just sick of

all of these procedures (as I'm sure everyone else is too!). It seems like just

when the doc says a certain procedure should take care of things the pain comes

back. After this ultrasound he will decide about stenting or possible surgery -

not sure what he means there - either of those would be at Virginia Mason in

Seattle. Anyway - if anyone has had it done I'd really appreciate hearing about

it. Take care - Anita

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita,

I have had it done, but I can't give you a time frame for it because

they did a sphincterotomy at the same time when they finally found

my pancreatic duct and it took Dr Lehman 3 hours from start to

finish. I do know that when I came to, I was in agony and spent 4

days in hospital with another attack. Went home, the stent they put

in passed a week later and I then had another attack..and another

and another *L*