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WFX 5165 - XR BARIUM ENEMA GASTROGRAPHIN / ACCESSION # 88953989

PROCEDURE REASON: ABDOMINAL PAIN, OTHER SPECIFIED SITE
* * * * Physician Interpretation * * * *

RESULT:
The scout film demonstrates unremarkable bowel gas pattern

Following the insertion of the catheter Gastrografin was introduced under
fluoroscopic guidance and multiple fluoroscopic spot films were obtained.

Comparison is made to previous examination from 6/8/11

The patient is status post colectomy with an ileal pouch. There is free
flow of Gastrografin with significant narrowing at the pouch anal
anastomosis and most distal pouch with dilatation of the pouch proximal
to it. There is extravasation of contrast at the level of the
anastomosis anteriorly and posteriorly with accumulation of contrast seen
posteriorly in the presacral space. There is also irregularity of the
pouch and anastomosis.

IMPRESSION:

Fistula tracts and extravasation of contrast at the pouch anal
anastomosis with accumulation of contrast in the presacral space

Dilatation of the pouch with narrowing of the most distal pouch and
anastomosis as well as irregularity which could be due to inflammation or
infection.
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Yep. The study showed contrast material leaking to the presacral space. This is the area between your pouch and the lower spine, pretty common area for a leak. That was where I had my abscess way back when (but no fistula, as the leak sealed pretty quickly on its own). Yours could easily been there since your original peritonitis, but just not diagnosed.

The dilation of the pouch sounds like normal pouch "stretching." But, it does appear that you also have an anal stricture. This may have been the reason for the fistula.

You probably already know that fistulas with abscess pockets can be one of the most difficult complications to deal with. Long standing ones are usually opened so that the abscess pocket actually becomes part of the pouch itself, rather than trying to close or remove it.

Jan Smiler
Thank you Jan! Had pouchoscopy this morning. Before the test, surgeon said, he suggested with all these complications, that we call it a day and go back to an end illeosotmy. The gi, who was also there, said we should discuss remicade, since the cimzia didn't work, but we would speak after the test.

When I woke up, there was an order for flagyl, canasa suppositories and remicade infusions. Both doctors were gone, so I demanded to see the surgeon. He came back and said before we do anything permanent, he wants to try another course of medication, and see if we can make it with this pouch.....

What are your thoughts Jan? I am waiting for the gi to call so she can discuss her thinking with me.

Thanks!!
If it were me. I'd seek a second opinions with Dr. Shen (GI) and Dr. Remzi (surgery) at the Cleveland Clinic (in Ohio, not Florida), as I think you have putzed around long enough.

To me, Remicade is a backwards step. If Cimzia did not help, Remicade probably would not either, particularly with the presacral pocket there. You may need the ileostomy whatever other treatment you opt for, to give it the best chance to be successful. Antibiotics are more likely to just reduce symptoms, not heal a fistula. Canasa? Might help a little, but more like spitting in the ocean, in my mind. I think they are just taking the "shotgun" approach, where they just blast with both barrels, hoping they hit something.

That's just my opinion, for what it's worth, and I really do not have a crystal ball or special insight. I'm just thinking it is time for new "eyes" on the situation, and you may as well go with top dogs.

Jan Smiler
Thank you Jan. I trust your opinion, even though we have never met. I feel like I can trust you, as you have no hidden agendas, like our doctors sometimes do.

I will go ahead and do the second opinion at the real Cleveland Clinic. I have been hesitant, as I have no money, and insurance does not cover it. But as you said, I have putzed around long enough!

Thank you for your guidance!!
sherry-
I was just reading my most recent CC bill and noticed a long statement on the back about their very generous financial assistance for some situations. You may want to investigate.
also as I mentioned to another poster.. you may be able to expedite appointments if you get your current doctors to refer you to CC.
Also, you may find your insurance might cover a second opinion at CC Ohio (even though there are other local offerings), if your doctor writes a letter of medical need, indicating they have already exhausted the conventional wisdom and experts in your area, and only those with the experience level of CC Ohio would have the skill set for your issues that have been resistant to their treatment. They can word it in a way that it is the most cost effective option, rather than wasting time and resources of the "local talent," along with delaying your resolution further. Of course, you probably are on your own for travel expenses. You can start with a remote second opinion (where they just do a record review), but I think you probably will need the actual in person evaluation for them to decide how to best proceed.

I know it is difficult to ask your current doctors to refer you out, but it is not an insult to them. It is good medicine to know when to "pass the torch" as they say. At some point, they have to admit they have done what they can. It is possible that you may get the same recommendations at CC, but at least you will know it is probably the last word on the issue.

Jan Smiler
sherry.. this is about YOUR health. It took me some time to get the guts to ask my local GI for a referral to Dr. Shen. But once I did it, it was no big deal. He even said that he was about ready to suggest that to me on his own.. though I don't believe him. Anyways, good doctors would only want the best for you. And good doctors should know their limitations and be happy to have you seek a second opinion from the true experts in this field. And in your complicated health situation, Dr. Shen is your man along with whatever surgeon he may refer you to, if needed, at CC Ohio.

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