Post-ERCP pancreatitis

Pancreatitis
#1

Has anyone had pancreatitis as a result of an ERCP?

I had an ERCP after a cholecystectomy because I was leaking bile. They placed a stent in my common bile duct to drain the bile.

After the ERCP, I had severe abdominal pain that radiated to my back. I was hospitalized for 9 days and out of work for 2 weeks. I’ve since returned to my routine and now have been following a low fat diet (avoiding processed foods, high fat foods, alcohol, coffee, soda, red meat, cookies, cakes, ice cream, etc.) Even with the diet, I never feel “back to normal”.

I feel intermittent cramps/pains and there doesn’t seem to be one particular food that causes it. I have to have the procedure again in 3 weeks to remove the biliary stent, and I am extremely anxious of having another attack.

Has anyone had post-ERCP pancreatitis that reoccurred with a second ERCP?

#2

I have also had many ERCP’S over the years and sometimes I would have a attack of pancreatitis. A couple of times, was lucky and didn’t have one. Good luck!

#3

Thank you so much for your responses. It is somewhat comforting to know that others have also had similar experiences. I guess my best option would be to talk with my GI about my anxiety for the procedure and see what my options are. Here’s hoping…

#4

I have had about 20 ERCP’s and over half have ended with me having a flareup. I understand how you feel. Hang in there

#5

I’ve had 17 ERCP’s and sadly have ended up with pancreatitis more times than not. Usually it’s from when a stent is placed or if they need to balloon the duct or widen the opening. Often upon having a stent removed I’ve walked out of the hospital in less pain than I was in earlier in the day before the ERCP. I often think I can feel the stents when they are in place (I describe it like swallowing a paperclip and it’s stabbing me). I rarely feel ok while a stent is in place, but I do see positive changes once it is removed. Hopefully your next ERCP will go much better than the first. I’ve been there and understand the horrible pain.

#6

I have also had many ERCP’s which usually result in pancreatitis. However I just read in the National Pancreas Foundation site about a pre ERCP treatment that shows promise in preventing pancreatitis. Good luck to you.

#7

New to the group and just seeing this thread, wondering how it turned out after your 2nd ERCP?

I have had every procedure under the sun and this is exactly why I have been putting off the ERCP my GI dr is suggesting. He seems annoyed that I don’t want to have it done and I think that is because he just doesn’t know what else to do. I have not heard one positive experience post-ERCP, but I have heard what is listed here and much, much worse. I do not want to have this procedure done, but fear that in not doing so I could be “missing” something that will help me.

However, my EUS and MRCP both indicate no issue with my ducts. I have asked my dr. point blank, after explaining my concerns, if he can tell me a good reason I should take the risk and he tells me it just depends on how “risk adverse” I am.

He cannot guarantee it will do any good at all and has no way of knowing if it will cause an attack. I understand he doesn’t have a crystal ball but I am pretty risk adverse when it is my insides getting sliced up and I am already so sick all the time!