Has anyone else had a stent inserted for pancreatitis / gall bladder?

Pancreatitis
#1

Has anyone else had a stent inserted for pancreatitis / gall bladder???

#2

When I was first diagnosed with pancreatitis I saw a gastro doc in Milwaukee who was into stenting and I had quite a few inserted/removed. It became quite a process because the stents can only stay in a short amount of time and each time it requires a procedure where you are sedated. I grew tired of the procedures and questioned their effectiveness. I switched to the Mayo clinic where my dr. there said they weren’t sure what would happen as a result of the stenting…scar tissue perhaps? Mayo has never suggested stenting and I am glad it ended.

#3

Hey Pattyann, I’ve had a few over the past 20 yrs putting up with the “beast” It has helped me keep my duct open.

#4

Pattyann,

I have had 12 stents inserted into my pancreas over the years. They won't do anymore because it can cause damage everytime you do it. I did find relief from them and wish I could do it again. The last time I checked my only option was surgery.

Vonnie

#5

Hi All,

No I haven't had them or been asked to think about them. Why do we consider them?? My Mr Pancreas has his issues there, calcification and deadening (can't think of the correct word..starts with an 'a'..).

From what you all describe, not enough fluid can get through, but what if you don't stent and let the juices out...?

Cate

#6

Pattyann,

I am on a low fat diet and take Creon with meals and snacks. I do have an appointment with a surgeon on April 26th. Evidently my pancreatitis is causing a stricture in my duodenom. My diet is soft and mushy. Lots of homemade soups, homemade juices, smoothies etc.

Vonnie

#7

Hi pattyann,

Yes, i have had stents in the pancreatic duct as well as the common bile duct. From my personal experience, the stents have been helpful. I had them on several occasions and had them removed under snesthesia when necessary. There is always the possibility of complications - however - the only one I have had is that the stent became kinked or twisted after insertion causing pain in RUQ and blocked drainage. When the problem was corrected, it was okay. The correlation between a stricture in the ducts versus and open duct makes sense to me. So, having the ducts open would permit drainage - still have little or no pancreatitic tissue left - but do believe that this procedure is worth a try to at least help with the qualitity of life issue. CP is an incidious disease with devastating effects as too many of us know. Take care and hold on tight to everyone you love. Grace abounds . . . .