Is the HIDA scan helpful in diagnosing gallbladder problems??? - Gallbladder Message Board

mizzaj · 07-19-2007, 12:22 PM

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've posted, but I wanted to ask if those of you who had HIDA scans felt that they were worth it-- meaning, they were a necessary part of determining whether you had gallbladder problems, etc.

I had two ultrasounds-- the first showed stones, and the second three months later showed nothing. I had a second opinion Monday and the new doc said that sometimes certain techs are more thorough than others and may catch what others don't.

I also told him about how I had a HIDA scan 2 months ago. It came back normal, but they forgot to do the ejection fraction part. When I told my new doc this, he was like, "Why would you bother with a HIDA scan? Where did you get the idea to do that?" I told him that I had friends who were doctors who had suggested it. I've been wanting to get the HIDA repeated with the ejection fraction, but now I'm afraid this new doc won't approve it. I'm not sure what to do. None of the other tests that have been done have shown anything-- blood work, Upper GI, pelvic ultrasound, etc.

Suggestions/Advice?

Ol'Line Rebel · 07-19-2007, 01:43 PM

Maybe we're not getting the whole context, but sounds crazy to me.

Why would a gastroenterologist (assuming this) imply a HIDA scan is ridiculous?

Is it because you don't have severe symptoms?

It is definitely more expensive than US, but if you really have a problem that seems it could be GB, HIDA scan seems standard procedure. In fact, it seems the only tests for GB are the US and the HIDA. I can't see why any competent doctor would eschew it. Unless he's thinking you wasted money because you don't seem to have bad symptoms or they don't really point to GB at all.

dixiepeep · 07-19-2007, 02:05 PM

I thought it was a waste of time and money since mine did not show anything but the Endoscopy did.

Sisty · 07-19-2007, 02:41 PM

Mine came back normal too. What kind of symptoms are you having?
Sisty

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizzaj

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've posted, but I wanted to ask if those of you who had HIDA scans felt that they were worth it-- meaning, they were a necessary part of determining whether you had gallbladder problems, etc.

I had two ultrasounds-- the first showed stones, and the second three months later showed nothing. I had a second opinion Monday and the new doc said that sometimes certain techs are more thorough than others and may catch what others don't.

I also told him about how I had a HIDA scan 2 months ago. It came back normal, but they forgot to do the ejection fraction part. When I told my new doc this, he was like, "Why would you bother with a HIDA scan? Where did you get the idea to do that?" I told him that I had friends who were doctors who had suggested it. I've been wanting to get the HIDA repeated with the ejection fraction, but now I'm afraid this new doc won't approve it. I'm not sure what to do. None of the other tests that have been done have shown anything-- blood work, Upper GI, pelvic ultrasound, etc.

Suggestions/Advice?

creativeconcept · 07-19-2007, 02:42 PM

My hida scan showed a 23% ejection fraction. I was going to have it removed during another surgery. However when the surgeon thought it looked fine so he left it. Two weeks later I was having pain and he decided to take it out. I'm not sure it was necessary. He said I had sludge.

No test is full proof. I had an endoscopy and it did not reveal a hiatal hernia. However when I had my nissen it was discovered. It was moderately sized as well.

Good luck.

Sherri