Can Abdominal Ultrasound Detect Pancreatic Issues?
Ultrasound Issues Can a liver and gallbladder ultrasound also detect the pancreas?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound is primarily used to examine the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Can Abdominal Ultrasound Detect Pancreatic Issues?
Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Ultrasound: Functions and Diseases Explored
Liver and gallbladder ultrasound examination Liver and gallbladder ultrasound examination is used to assess the functions and diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Abdominal ultrasound primarily examines the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Any structural abnormalities can be detected; however, it cannot assess the functionality of these organs. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department o...[Read More] Understanding Liver and Gallbladder Ultrasound: Functions and Diseases Explored
Differences Between ERCP and MRCP: What You Need to Know
What are the differences between ERCP and MRCP examinations? I have been experiencing pain in my right upper abdomen for 3 to 4 years. I have undergone abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, MRCP, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, small bowel endoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and endoscopic ult...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. Peter, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is an invasive procedure. It involves inserting an endoscope, similar to a gastroscope, through the mouth into the duodenal ampulla. A thin catheter is then used to inject contrast dye into the openings ...[Read More] Differences Between ERCP and MRCP: What You Need to Know
Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Right Upper Discomfort
Please, doctor, help me with my long-standing abdominal pain? Symptoms: I feel a dull pain in the upper right abdomen all day, whether sitting or standing, as if there is a heavy object pressing down. I can't tolerate it after sitting or standing for too long, and it doesn&#...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. For asymptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts, it is recommended to have regular follow-ups to observe if they will resolve on their own. 2. Regarding the right upper quadrant pain, with only elevated ACP and VGT, and multiple tests yielding no definitive results, ERCP could ...[Read More] Chronic Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers for Persistent Right Upper Discomfort
Understanding Back Pain After Duodenal Cancer Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Lower back pain? Hello Dr. Chen, I underwent surgery for duodenal ampulla cancer last August and did not receive chemotherapy afterward (initial stage). Last week, after returning home from a 10-day trip, I have been experiencing lower back pain (which has lasted about a week now...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to arrange an abdominal ultrasound examination at the original physician's clinic. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan General Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Back Pain After Duodenal Cancer Surgery: Causes and Solutions
Is It Normal to Still Experience Pain After IBS Medication?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) issues..? I have been taking medication for irritable bowel syndrome for six months, but I still experience pain. Is this normal? I have had stool tests and an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor said that I am very young and do not need a colonosc...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. A colonoscopy is not only used to rule out colorectal cancer but may also identify other conditions. 2. A barium enema can also be considered. 3. Irritable bowel syndrome often requires adjustments in medication and dietary lifestyle changes. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng C...[Read More] Is It Normal to Still Experience Pain After IBS Medication?
Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Severe pain in the upper left abdomen? Hello Dr. Chen, my father is 54 years old and experienced severe pain in the upper left abdomen (near the bottom of the left rib cage towards the center) which led him to seek medical attention at the hospital a month ago. During this time, ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If you have undergone the above-mentioned CT scan and still have no results, the possibility of neuropathic pain seems to be high. You may consider visiting the neurology department at your original hospital. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan G...[Read More] Severe Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Seeking Answers and Solutions
Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
Dull pain below the right rib cage? Hello Doctor, since last month, I have been experiencing pain under my left rib. It becomes uncomfortable when I sit, but standing is fine. I feel better when I wake up after sleeping. The first doctor took an X-ray, which showed no fractures o...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Pain under the left rib cage, left abdominal pain, pain under the right rib cage, and right abdominal pain for several days. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist for further examination. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan General Hospi...[Read More] Persistent Pain Under Right Rib: Possible Gastrointestinal Issues?
How Long Should You Fast for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
For liver blood tests and abdominal ultrasound, fasting is typically required for at least 8 to 12 hours prior to the procedure? For liver health check-ups, is fasting for 8 hours required for blood tests, or is it necessary for abdominal ultrasound? Additionally, should these tw...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Fasting is not required for liver function blood tests, but if the tests include blood glucose, kidney function, or lipid levels, then fasting for 8 hours is necessary. Additionally, for abdominal ultrasound examinations, fasting for 6 to 8 hours is also required. Wishing ...[Read More] How Long Should You Fast for Liver Blood Tests and Abdominal Ultrasound?
Understanding Right Rib Pain: Is It Related to Gallbladder Issues?
Is the pain at the right rib edge sometimes related to the gallbladder? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing a slight pain near my right rib cage close to my stomach for the past two days. It's a mild pain that I can mostly ignore. I also feel a bit of sharp ...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Mr./Ms. L, Hello: If you experience pain in the area to the left of your right rib, which worsens when you are hungry or wakes you up at night, it may indicate a gastrointestinal issue such as inflammation or an ulcer. If the pain radiates to your back, there is a higher po...[Read More] Understanding Right Rib Pain: Is It Related to Gallbladder Issues?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Relief Tips
I have a severe stomachache? I have been experiencing abdominal pain for three days. I have taken antacids and other medications, and I have seen a doctor. Sometimes the pain is so severe at night that it wakes me up. It feels like a stomach ulcer; the medication helps alleviate ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: General abdominal pain can be categorized into upper or lower abdominal pain (with the navel as the dividing line). If the pain is in the upper abdomen, it is often related to gastric diseases, and an upper endoscopy may be necessary. Additionally, an abdominal ultrasound ...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Relief Tips
Understanding Gallstone Risks: Movement and Growth Without Surgery
Movement of Gallstones Thank you, Dr. Chen, for your response. I would like to ask the doctor again, if surgery is not performed, will there always be a risk of 1) gallstones falling into the bile duct? 2) stones in the gallbladder increasing in size over time? Thank you. ------...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Jie, 1. Currently, there is no definitive research confirming the likelihood. Generally speaking, the probability is not high. 2. Gallstones can increase in size over time, but the likelihood of developing cholecystitis is not necessarily correlated with the size o...[Read More] Understanding Gallstone Risks: Movement and Growth Without Surgery
Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns and Treatment Options
About gallbladder polyps? Dear Doctor, I apologize for not including the website in my previous email and am resending it in hopes of receiving your response. In 2005, during a health check at a medical center, I was informed that I had gallbladder polyps. The doctor at that tim...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Sally, 1. Gallbladder polyps smaller than 0.5 cm may not be visible due to angle and intestinal gas interference. 2. Polyps that have not increased in size only require follow-up every 1-2 years. 3. The definitive treatment for gallbladder polyps is still cholecyste...[Read More] Understanding Gallbladder Polyps: Concerns and Treatment Options
Can Exercise Cause Gallstones to Move Before Surgery?
Exercise after the discovery of gallstones? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask, after experiencing pain in the upper right abdomen for the first time in early March this year, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound that diagnosed gallstones (less than 1 cm). The doctor recommended l...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Exercise will not trigger an episode. High-fat foods will. If you have experienced pain before, surgical treatment may be considered to avoid complications in case of unexpected situations (such as traveling abroad) that could lead to difficulties in seeking medical c...[Read More] Can Exercise Cause Gallstones to Move Before Surgery?
Understanding Occasional Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Occasional dull and bloating pain in the lower abdomen? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing occasional dull pain in my lower right abdomen for the past three years, usually after being busy for a while. Taking a short break would alleviate the discomfort, and it hasn't be...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin, first we will check your stool, urine, and perform a local physical examination to identify any abnormalities (including a gynecological examination). Additionally, we can arrange for a colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of any lesions. Changhua Hospital is co...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Lower Abdominal Discomfort: Causes and Insights
Understanding Persistent Pain Below the Navel: Causes and Next Steps
Persistent cramping pain below the navel? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain near my lower abdomen, just below the navel, for the past two weeks. Occasionally, I feel a slight cramping sensation, but it's not frequent. Sometimes my abdomen feels b...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. A-Ming, as you mentioned, this appears to be a functional issue. Please be patient and continue to follow up at the gastroenterology and urology outpatient clinics for a period of time. Other potential issues have been ruled out. Best regards, Dr. Chen Shidian, Changhua...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Pain Below the Navel: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding High Triglycerides and Fatty Diarrhea: What You Need to Know
Recently, there have been elevated levels of triglycerides and fatty liver? Hello Doctor, Recently, I'm not sure if it's due to my own excessive stress or if there's a real issue with my body, but I've been experiencing fatty diarrhea for four consecutive da...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello Mr./Ms. L, steatorrhea refers to watery stools that have a layer of floating oil on top, commonly seen in patients with chronic pancreatitis. A stool test would show a positive fat reaction. If the above conditions are met, it should be classified as steatorrhea. At 21 year...[Read More] Understanding High Triglycerides and Fatty Diarrhea: What You Need to Know
Can I See General Internal Medicine for Hepatitis B Follow-Up?
Saturday clinic issues~ Hello, regarding my previous inquiry about an appointment on Saturday morning, I am currently under follow-up for hepatitis B. Can I still schedule an appointment with a general internal medicine doctor to arrange for blood tests and an abdominal ultrasoun...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, yes, you can schedule a general internal medicine appointment for a follow-up on hepatitis B testing. Wishing you good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Can I See General Internal Medicine for Hepatitis B Follow-Up?
Saturday Appointment Queries for Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology
Saturday outpatient registration issues? Hello, a few days ago I inquired about the Saturday outpatient services for the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology. You mentioned that I could use the general internal medicine registration on Saturdays. However, I am a carri...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: General follow-up is acceptable, but if there is a need for antiviral medication due to hepatitis B, it is not permissible. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Saturday Appointment Queries for Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology
Why Is My Belly Still Big Despite Dieting and Exercise?
Having a bloated abdomen that resembles that of a pregnant woman, and not being able to reduce the size despite eating less? My belly is as big as a pregnant woman's, and even with reduced food intake, it doesn't get smaller. I've undergone both colonoscopy and gas...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The causes of "abdominal distension" are twofold: 1. Ascites, which can be evaluated through abdominal ultrasound. 2. Gastrointestinal gas, often related to functional disorders, which may require consultation with a gastroenterologist for medication. Wishing you...[Read More] Why Is My Belly Still Big Despite Dieting and Exercise?