The 2nd ERCP has begun

They came and got her about 4:40PM. I walked with the gurney to Radiology and then landed here in the Surgery waiting area on the first floor. Anyone hanging around could find me at the "B" elevators aka Surgery Waiting area. My dead cell phone is plugged into the water cooler outlet so I am not moving for a while. That strategically places me between the exit to surgery, the elevators, the rest room and the water cooler. I will be found this time!

Given she rolled in about 5PM, I don't expect to see her any earlier than 6PM and probably closer to 7PM. However, our operating specialist GI Specialist's specialist office mate stopped by just after 4PM. Mary's last colonoscopy was done by this Doc a couple of years ago. We had a nice chat.

He basically affirmed that the top priority is to get the bile duct blockage opened. Her liver is in distress because the bile cannot flow to the intestines. Today's ERCP will definitely (we and they hope) solve this problem because the stents will force the opening of the duct. The blockage is above the gall bladder junction and at and above the junction that splits into two to service the liver.

This Doc was very positive that enough material would be collected for a valid biopsy as well. He said that the specialist GI Specialist, having just visited the bile duct site on Monday and having a complete CT Scan shortly thereafter, can proceed without a lot of uncertainty and exploration to complete the two needed procedures--biopsy material and stent insertion.

As for the cause of the constriction in the bile duct, that is not being said with any certainty. Effectively, they need to get the biopsy material and a valid test before anyone commits to a diagnosis of cause.

That is it for now, I'll post when she rolls back to her room.

Pat

PS: So while we are in the hospital, we missed the local neighborhood fun. This is the neighbor directly across the street from us! My cousin John knows the late flyfisherman.
http://www.mercurynews.com/localnewsheadlines/ci_12047393?nclick_check=1