Understanding Enlarged Bile Duct and Pancreatic Head: Symptoms and Concerns
Common bile duct and enlargement of the pancreatic head? Dear Doctor, My father started experiencing some symptoms at the beginning of last year: 1) fever and weakness that would resolve the next day, returning intermittently; 2) vomiting, and around May of last year, he develop...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
There are many causes of obstructive jaundice, including benign conditions such as bile duct stones, and malignant conditions primarily involving tumors (such as cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic head cancer, duodenal cancer, and duodenal papilla cancer). Therefore, it is essential ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Bile Duct and Pancreatic Head: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal bloating Hello, doctor. Recently, my eating habits have been irregular; I often combine two meals into one or eat late at night until I'm very full, and I've been exercising less. Around early March, I started experiencing a dull pain in the upper right abdome...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. First, please maintain a light diet. 2. Pancreatitis is less common in young individuals in their 20s who do not consume alcohol; it is more similar to gastroenteritis. 3. An ultrasound can rule out liver and gallbladder conditions (such as stones), and you may...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Bloating: Causes and When to Seek Help
Managing Bloating and Diarrhea: Insights from Gastroenterology
Regarding bloating and bowel movements? Hello Dr. Tsai, In December, I visited the doctor due to discomfort in my stomach. Although the burning sensation and sharp pain have improved significantly, the bloating issue persists. I hear gurgling sounds every day and have been exper...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, the most common causes of acute pancreatitis are gallbladder stones and alcohol consumption. I'm not sure if the doctor informed you of the cause when you were previously diagnosed with acute pancreatitis; of course, there are also cases where the ...[Read More] Managing Bloating and Diarrhea: Insights from Gastroenterology
What is Gallbladder Adenomyomatosis and Its Cancer Risks?
What is gallbladder adenomyomatosis? Ultrasound during a health check-up revealed multiple gallstones, the largest measuring 0.6 cm, and the gallbladder wall thickness at the base is 0.6 cm. Is a gallbladder adenomyomatosis simply thickening of the gallbladder wall? Is cholecyste...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. For gallstones, it is advisable to avoid greasy foods. If symptoms such as frequent pain and complications like cholecystitis or pancreatitis occur, surgical removal should be considered. 2. Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder refers to thickening of the gallbladder wall...[Read More] What is Gallbladder Adenomyomatosis and Its Cancer Risks?
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Left upper abdominal pain? I would like to ask the doctor about my recent condition. Everything seems to be quite normal, but I'm not sure if it's because I'm eating too quickly or if it's gas. I have some pain in the upper left abdomen, right below the rib ca...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the upper left abdomen is approximately where the stomach is located. The likelihood of gastritis or a gastric ulcer is very high; however, it is essential to rule out pancreatitis, bowel distension, and, in rare cases, issues related to the left side of the ...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain: Causes and Solutions
Managing Bacterial Infection in Pancreatic Cyst Patients: Challenges and Solutions
Bacterial infection in pancreatitis My father has a pancreatic cyst and is currently undergoing drainage with a catheter. He also has a bacterial infection. He has been hospitalized for a week, but this week another cyst was discovered. Is this condition uncontrollable? Why is it...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, pancreatitis complicated by intra-abdominal pseudocyst infection or infectious necrosis can often be multiple and prone to dissemination. Sometimes, drainage and antibiotics alone are insufficient, and surgical intervention is often necessary, potentially requiring more th...[Read More] Managing Bacterial Infection in Pancreatic Cyst Patients: Challenges and Solutions
Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain After Heavy Drinking
Abdominal pain I haven't consumed much alcohol before, but once I drank a lot during a social event, and I didn't feel any discomfort that day. However, a few days later, I occasionally experience sharp pain in the upper left abdomen, which sometimes feels normal, but t...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: After drinking alcohol, pain in the upper left abdomen is most likely due to gastritis or a gastric ulcer. Additionally, there is a possibility of pancreatitis. If there is also vomiting on the same day, consider the possibility of a tear at the esophagogastric junction. I...[Read More] Understanding Left Upper Abdominal Pain After Heavy Drinking
Understanding Pancreatic Variations: Concerns and Next Steps After Diagnosis
Please provide more details regarding the pancreatic issues you are experiencing? Hello, Dr. Lin. A month ago, when I returned to Taiwan and underwent a comprehensive health check at Asia University Hospital, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a hyperechoic nodule approximately 1 c...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Congenital variations of the pancreas are not common and are difficult to examine. Some are discovered only after an unexplained episode of pancreatitis. The most sensitive examination for pancreatic tumors is endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which can detect tumors smaller th...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Variations: Concerns and Next Steps After Diagnosis
Understanding Nausea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues Hello, Dr. Lin. I have two questions: 1. What condition could cause a feeling of nausea upon waking up? 2. Recently, I also experience nausea when using the computer or scrolling on my phone.
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of nausea, including gastrointestinal diseases such as dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric outlet obstruction, and intestinal obstruction. Additionally, acute hepatitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and append...[Read More] Understanding Nausea: Causes and Solutions for Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Risks and Options for Surgery
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask some questions about the pancreas? Two years ago, I experienced pain in my right upper abdomen and underwent numerous tests at a hospital in China. Eventually, I had a small bowel endoscopy, which led to a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis confirm...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Li Dawei: Several senior physicians have suggested that you should consider (after reviewing the actual data) consulting a surgeon regarding surgical-related issues (you may want to inquire at two medical centers), as this involves surgical equipment and individual skil...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Issues: Risks and Options for Surgery
Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Pancreatic cancer index Hello, Doctor! I am 34 years old this year. I discovered an elevated CA19-9 level (64) in 2009. At that time, I underwent various tests, including MRI and endoscopy, which revealed a 9 cm benign focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in the liver, while the pancr...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: CA 19-9 levels may be elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. However, elevated CA 19-9 levels can also occur in patients without cancer, such as those with liver cirrhosis, cholangitis, hepatiti...[Read More] Understanding CA 19-9 Levels: What High Readings Mean for Your Health
Understanding Pancreatic Tumor Markers: What Does a Level of 67 Mean?
Questions about pancreatic examination data? Hello, Dr. Tsai. If the pancreatic tumor marker index is greater than 37, it is considered positive, and my test result is 67. Does this indicate that there may be issues with the pancreas and bile? (P.S. There is inflammation in the s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The pancreatic tumor marker refers to CA 19-9, right? Conditions such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, tumors of the pancreatic or biliary ducts, or unknown causes can all lead to elevated levels of this marker. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult a hepatobi...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Tumor Markers: What Does a Level of 67 Mean?
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Treatment Options
I have a lot of discomfort in my stomach? Recently, I had to eat with soup to be able to eat. Yesterday, after drinking two cases of Taiwanese beer with friends, I started to vomit. At first, I had hot soup, thinking it was just drunkenness, but it got worse. I vomit everything I...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: What you mentioned could possibly be symptoms of intoxication. Additionally, acute gastritis or acute pancreatitis should also be considered. If the symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Pancreatic enlargement Due to discomfort in my stomach, I underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a nearby small hospital, which revealed mild gastroesophageal reflux. As a precaution, the doctor recommended an ultrasound. The results showed an enlargement of the head of...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: The enlargement of the pancreatic head may have several possible causes as mentioned by the physician, including pancreatitis, autoimmune diseases, pancreatic cancer, and congenital anomalies. It is recommended to monitor the condition and seek medical attention if symptom...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatic Enlargement: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Pancreatitis What are the common causes of abdominal pain due to pancreatitis? How can one check for the presence of pancreatitis? If the abdominal pain is solely caused by pancreatitis, what are the treatment options? Are there any special considerations to be aware of? Addition...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Common causes of acute pancreatitis include alcohol consumption, gallstones, high triglycerides, and hypercalcemia. (2) Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the back, and a blood test showing elevated amylase/lipase levels (three times above normal...[Read More] Understanding Pancreatitis: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Left abdominal distension with left flank pain? I have been troubled by this issue for three to four months. I experience swelling in the left side of my abdomen, and my left flank feels sore and painful. When exposed to air conditioning or a fan, it feels as if something is bein...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Discomfort in the left abdomen and even left lower back pain should consider several possibilities, including issues related to the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and even the left urinary tract. Given the accompanying bowel symptoms, the likelihood of colorectal disease i...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Swelling and Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Discomfort in the left abdomen? Hello Doctor: Two months ago, I visited a gastroenterologist due to a pressure sensation in my lower left abdomen, which is not accompanied by significant pain. I underwent X-rays and stool tests, and the physician indicated that there was nothing ...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If we analyze the organs located in the left lower abdomen of a male, the organs present include the colon, part of the small intestine, and the urinary tract. Possible issues include: colitis, fecal impaction, urinary stones, cystitis, left inguinal hernia, referred pain ...[Read More] Understanding Left Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes and Next Steps
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
When is ERCP Recommended for Abdominal Pain and Pancreatic Cysts?
What are the indications for using ERCP? I have been experiencing pain in my upper right abdomen for 3 to 4 years. I have undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound, which only showed fatty liver. My bowel movements are normal, and blood tests indicate norm...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: ERCP is an invasive procedure with a small risk of causing pancreatitis. If there has been a history of pancreatitis leading to a pancreatic pseudocyst, it is generally not recommended to undergo ERCP, unless absolutely necessary or if the pseudocyst has been resolved. Wis...[Read More] When is ERCP Recommended for Abdominal Pain and Pancreatic Cysts?
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