Severe Pain Even After Gall Bladder Surgery. Taking Pain Killers. ERCP Test Report Normal. Have Metal Allergy. Is The Pain Due To The Clips Used In Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 10 Sep 2012

Question: My 19 yo daughter had her gallbladder out 5 years ago and is still suffering extensive pain she can't work and most days is bed ridden on crazy amounts of pain killers. She has had all the known tests and an ERCP and now they have given up on us. She has a metal alergy and I wonder if the clips they used could be causing the pain or do you have any other suggestions.
Thanks we are desperate as the 3 of us have not got a life.

XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (3 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query.

I would be in a better position to understand your daughter’s problem if I can have the following information:

Specify the site of pain, the nature of pain, its frequency?
Is there any factor that precipitates or relieves the pain?
Is the pain any way associated with food / bowel and bladder movement?
Does she have any associated symptoms such as jaundice, weight loss or any other symptoms?
I would also be helped if you share with me the result of investigation done yet?

I will be able to give you a better response after receiving these details.

Awaiting your response.

Regards
Dr XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (27 hours later)

Hi there
her pain is always in the right upper quadrant exactly where her gallbladder was.It is very sharp like pins & goes across to the opposite side.
very often it is set off by her having a bowel motion.
After her gallbladder was removed she ended up with chronic pancreatitis & was diagnosed with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction & has had 2 sphincerotomies in the past 3 yrs.
IN 1I/II SHE HAD LAPRASCOPIC INVESTIGATIONS & THEY FOUND ADHESIONS & THE CLIPS WERE INFLAMED
The surgeon resected the adhesions & cleaned up the clips & he was going to remove them but said they were too close to the hepatic duct.
I am now investigating whether the clips are the issue as she is allergic to metal & can only wear silver or gold.
She also has GORD which is treated with Somac
The pain most of the time is early hours of the morning
She has been trialled on all sorts of painkillers & antispasmodics but nothing seems to help
she has had every scan & test possible & evrything comes back normal yet the pain persisits
many thanks

Answered by Dr. Poorna Chandra K.S (20 hours later)

Hi thanks for the followup
Right upper quadrant pain brought on by bowel movement is likely be colonic in orgin and may be because of adhesions only.
People who develop adhesions after a surgery tend to reform adhesions after surgery and they may not be visualised on a CT or ultrasound. However one should also look for independent causes like XXXXXXX herniations and intestinal inflammatory diseases.
Gastritis and a gastric ulcer can also cause Right upper quadrant pain and intestinal hurry. Nerve entrapment in the scar can also cause some pain and discomfort at the scar site
Surgical clips are made of biocompatible meterial and hence an allergic reaction to ot may be unlikely
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T