sphincter of oddi - Digestive Disorders Message Board

robinipp · 08-02-2008, 08:12 AM

Does anyone know if you have abnormal contractions in the sphincter of oddi valve, will your blood test always show elevated liver enzymes? I ask this question because my Hida scan shows that I have this problem, yet my blood tests have came back only once with elevated enzymes and the many other blood tests come back normal. Does this elevation only occur when I am having another bout? Also, will the drainage problem be corrected if I have my gallbladder removed? I would appreciate any responses.

sam78 · 08-02-2008, 08:17 PM

Good questions. I had about a year and half long battle with SOD (sphincter of Oddi dysfunction). It was horrible. For me my enzymes only elevated when I was having an attack (when the valve dysfunctioned). I first had my gallbladder out because they couldnt decide if it was my gallbladder or my pancreas. But that did absolutely nothing. Still had SOD. The best way to treat this is to have a sphincterotomy where they put a cut in the sphincter to make is it doesnt completely close off. They do not remove this sphincter when they remove your gallbladder. I eventually made it to a pancreas specialist who was finally able to care for me properly. I wound up have a sphincterotomy but also had to have a series of stents put in for a couple months just to calm my pancreas down. Hope that helps. Any other questions just post them, will be more than happy to help.

jb00642 · 08-02-2008, 08:25 PM

Having your gall bladder removed does not cure this. I did not have any problems with SOD until they took out the gb. and then my liver functions shot thru the room, I had 6 weeks of severe pain and vomiting until I went and had an ERCP. I had a stent and cut in the pancreas(had pancreatitis to start) and also cut the main bile duct. this was done on Wednesday, but I still have a lot of pain and naseau. Feels like someone stuck a hot knife under my right rib cage clear thru to my back. If anyone knows what this is I would be very grateful if you could let me know. So anyway I would not recommend having your gall bladder out unless you have spoken with a specialist.
Jackie

sam78 · 08-03-2008, 04:28 PM

I am not sure what you are asking, the procedure you had is a sphincterotomy. The pain you are having is common pancreatitis pain.

jb00642 · 08-03-2008, 08:21 PM

I guess I was wondering if it was the stent moving or getting clogged that was causing the pain. yeah I know its panc pain, but it is not going away, jeez how long !!