About Transduodenal Sphincteroplasty
Key Highlights
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Definitive surgical solution for complex sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.Direct visualization and repair of the anatomical obstruction.Can prevent recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis or cholangitis.Often considered when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy is unsuccessful or risky.Performed by highly trained surgical gastroenterologists for precision.
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic or recurrent pancreatitis caused by sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.
- Stenosis (narrowing) or scarring of the sphincter of Oddi.
- Failed or complicated previous endoscopic sphincterotomy.
- Recurrent bile duct stones or cholangitis (bile duct infection).
- Persistent biliary-type pain with objective evidence of sphincter obstruction.
- Suspected or confirmed sphincter of Oddi tumor (rare).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, imaging (CT, MRI), and possibly endoscopic ultrasound.
- Detailed discussion with the surgical gastroenterologist about risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the surgery.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) as advised.
- Informed consent process detailing the surgical plan.
- Pre-operative antibiotics may be administered to prevent infection.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding from the surgical site.
- Infection, including peritonitis or abscess formation.
- Leakage from the duodenal incision (duodenal leak).
- Injury to surrounding structures like the pancreas or bile duct.
- Post-operative pancreatitis.
- Recurrence of symptoms or stenosis.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Formation of scar tissue leading to future obstruction.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital with monitoring for complications.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Gradual progression from clear liquids to a soft, low-fat diet as tolerated.
- Drainage tubes, if placed, are monitored and removed before discharge.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure proper duct drainage.
- Prompt reporting of fever, severe pain, jaundice, or vomiting to the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering transduodenal sphincteroplasty in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with surgical gastroenterology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform transduodenal sphincteroplasty. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for transduodenal sphincteroplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
Rahul Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Rahul Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had endured debilitating upper abdominal pain for over three years. His pain, often radiating to his back, would strike after meals, accompanied by nausea. Multiple ER visits and scans initially showed only 'mild pancreatitis.' He tried strict low-fat diets and pain medications with little relief, missing work and family events. A specialized MRCP finally revealed pancreas divisum, a congenital anomaly, and his surgical gastroenterologist explained that his minor papilla was too tight, causing pancreatic juice backup. The doctor recommended a transduodenal sphincteroplasty to surgically widen the duct opening. Rahul was terrified of major surgery but desperate for a normal life. The procedure went smoothly. His recovery in the hospital was challenging with expected pain and a temporary diet of clear liquids, but the characteristic post-meal agony was gone. Within six weeks, he was back to enjoying meals with his family pain-free. Emotionally, he transitioned from feeling like a burden, plagued by constant worry about the next attack, to immense relief and gratitude. He regained his role as an active, present father and husband.