Diverticulum causing recurring pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

I have had recurring episodes of pancreatitis for 2 years, and

finally got an ERCP (long story) -- showing ampullary diverticulum

just outside the pancreas, filled with sludge/debris/tiny stones.

The gastro doc said he is sure this is what caused my bouts of

pancreatitis and he cut it, drained it and hoped that would take

care of things. Unfortunately, I got another case of pancreatitis

after the ERCP done Tuesday and am still running a fever and having

pain. Been on Levaquin and Darvocet since Thursday.

Has anyone heard of this cause? Having trouble finding

information. I guess the diverticulum will still be there and this

is now something that I have to monitor forever. I am suppose to

get pancreatic enzymes at next follow up. Still on liquid diet as

of now. I will ask more questions at my next visit. I was hurting

and mainly wanted to get the antibiotics as I felt septic. I keep

thinking of things that I should have asked. I am not sure about

the full name for the diverticulum -- that I got because I said I

thought that was colon and the doc said we could get them in many

places -- noone knows why. I have been reading along here but still

have a lot to learn.

--Debra

[Guest guest]

Hi Debra,

I ran into a reference to diverticulum in an article about

santorinicele in pancreas divisum. It noted that the dilation of the

dorsal duct, as it enters the duodenum is often seen when the

minor papilla is in a diverticulum - the minor papilla is pinpoint

and " webbed " it said. I have not run into any other references to

pancreas sphincters / papillae in diverticulum but that doesn't

mean that they do not occur....I just haven't been on the lookout

for that kind of information.

I am just speculating....and it is a very wild guess.....but I would

think that as long as the diverticulum is present, that you would

have the problem of it accumulating sludge and stuff that will

block the flow of juice from the pancreas. At least, that is how I

am imagining the interaction of the two???? that the sludge is

blocking the flow? and causing the pain and attacks? Once

cleaned out, maybe he is hoping that it will take a while to get

" filled " again...or maybe he is hoping that he can prevent the

formation of sludge to begin with so it will not accumulate. Is

there a way to treat the diverticulum? maybe that is another

option????

This is all new to me too....if I run into any information that may

help I will let you know.

laurie

[Guest guest]

......>I would think that as long as the diverticulum is present, that

you would have the problem of it accumulating sludge and stuff that

will block the flow of juice from the pancreas. .... Is

> there a way to treat the diverticulum?

Thanks for the reply and ideas Laurie. I did get the idea that the

edoc expected this to continue to be a problem. I don't know if there

is another way to treat. But I may wind up having to go back sooner

than the 2 week appt. they gave me as I am still running a slight fever

(100.5)and having moderate pain, helped by the meds. I am not sure how

long they expected for this last pancreatitis to take -- I guess it is

more the infection this time.

I am adding to a list of questions when I do see the doc.

--Debra