Guest guest Posted September 7, 2005 Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 Eileen, An MRCP or Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography allows for rapid evaluation of the biliary tract, pancreatic duct and gallbladder without contrast material administration or radiation. In most instances, MRCP can be completed in 10 minutes and is easily performed as an outpatient examination. Since its introduction in 1991, the role of MRCP in evaluating pancreaticobiliary disease has continued to evolve. MRCP is assuming a larger role as a rapid, accurate and non-invasive alternative to diagnostic ERCP. Current techniques allow for identification of obstructed or dilated bile and pancreatic ducts in essentially all patients. Normal size extrahepatic bile ducts and central intrahepatic ducts are routinely seen in as many as 100% of patients. Dilated ducts proximal to an obstruction are well visualized, usually better than with ERCP where there can be difficulty in opacifying ducts proximal to a high-grade obstruction. MRCP avoids the complications of ERCP such as pancreatitis (3-5%), sepsis, perforation and hemorrhage. The main disadvantage of MRCP is that it is purely diagnostic and does not provide access for therapeutic intervention. This means that if the doctor sees something he/she wants to do or fix, such as removing a stone, this cannot be done, of course, since the body is not entered during this exam. It is more like an xray. What is wonderful here, though, is that the entire biliary system can be viewed, evaluated, and a complete plan of treatment can be established first. Then an ERCP can be done, which is when the tube is placed into the mouth and into the pancreas. Karyn E. , RN Executive Director, PAI Indianapolis, Indiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Eileen, The MRCP most likely did check the pancreatic ducts, that is the primary thing it does. Do keep us informed on how all the tests come out. We are vested in your well being. Karyn E. , RN Executive Director, PAI Indianapolis, Indiana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Thanks Karyn, The hida scan today came back normal. I also went to the GI and she does'nt feel I have pancreatitis. I asked her for a script for an MRCP to chest the ducts, etc but she gave me one for antibiotics, urinalysis and a chest x ray instead. I see her in 2 weeks and if not better, I must demand the MRCP. She is very nice, and I have never had to " demand " a test. ANyone with advice on how to do it nicely but effectively? Eileen > Eileen, > > > An MRCP or Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography allows for rapid > evaluation of the biliary tract, pancreatic duct and gallbladder without contrast > material administration or radiation. In most instances, MRCP can be > completed in 10 minutes and is easily performed as an outpatient examination. Since > its introduction in 1991, the role of MRCP in evaluating pancreaticobiliary > disease has continued to evolve. MRCP is assuming a larger role as a rapid, > accurate and non-invasive alternative to diagnostic ERCP. Current techniques > allow for identification of obstructed or dilated bile and pancreatic ducts in > essentially all patients. Normal size extrahepatic bile ducts and central > intrahepatic ducts are routinely seen in as many as 100% of patients. Dilated > ducts proximal to an obstruction are well visualized, usually better than > with ERCP where there can be difficulty in opacifying ducts proximal to a > high-grade obstruction. > > MRCP avoids the complications of ERCP such as pancreatitis (3- 5%), sepsis, > perforation and hemorrhage. The main disadvantage of MRCP is that it is purely > diagnostic and does not provide access for therapeutic intervention. This > means that if the doctor sees something he/she wants to do or fix, such as > removing a stone, this cannot be done, of course, since the body is not entered > during this exam. It is more like an xray. What is wonderful here, though, is > that the entire biliary system can be viewed, evaluated, and a complete plan > of treatment can be established first. Then an ERCP can be done, which is > when the tube is placed into the mouth and into the pancreas. > Karyn E. , RN > Executive Director, PAI > Indianapolis, Indiana > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 Flat out tell you what you want. State what you want and back it up with facts if you feel the need, keep it factual and be done with it. Don't get all emotional about it. You dont have to be ugly or argue. It's a business transaction. Your doc either works for you or she doesn't. Like anything else, you are free to take your business elsewhere. I tend to just say what I want/need . I don't typically feel the need to justify it or plead my case. I just lay in on the line. If she says no, you have the choice to walk away and find someone who says yes or stay-Kathleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 8, 2005 Report Share Posted September 8, 2005 I really appreciate that Karyn. :-) I have not had the MRCP yet, but feel it's very important. Looks like I will have to go back to the doc and ask for it. I did have the HIDA today though. Eileen > Eileen, > > The MRCP most likely did check the pancreatic ducts, that is the primary > thing it does. Do keep us informed on how all the tests come out. We are vested > in your well being. > > Karyn E. , RN > Executive Director, PAI > Indianapolis, Indiana > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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