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Filling Defect - what is it???


Sun, June 29, 2008 7:24 AM

Hi All,

Wishing everyone well on this Sunday am.

1 month ago I landed in the hospital with an obstruction.  The docs were able to clear it up with, but the surgeon is of the opinion that I will need surgery.  As part of my follow through I had a cat scan last Saturday. 

After receiving my results my doctor tracked me down to LA where I was traveling on business.  He said that the CT had shown a "filling defect."  Now I have been a Crohn's patient for over 15 years and have done some research.  Amazing how this thing makes us all to some degree or another into medical researchers. lol. 

But I have never heard of this term, the definitions I have been finding are not adequate and leave a lot to be desired. 

My gastro wants me to follow up with the surgeon pronto.  He says it may range from just an ulcer in the same area as where my inflamation is to a precursor for the c word.  Now he has me scared. 

Does anyone have any thing they could add to this term?

Thanks,

FPO jay2cee
Joined Jun 20, 2008

Thu, July 17, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for jay2cee.

Good luck.  It sounds like the right thing to do.  I am sure the pathology will likely be benign, as per previous e mail.  Make sure you do not let your insurance lapse for any reason while you are transitioning between jobs.

Let me know how things turn out.  Keep smiling 

Kevin

FPO kevin
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Thu, July 17, 2008 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for kevin.

Hi Kevin,

Sorry I had not answered before.  Was traveling on business.

I saw my surgeon this past Monday.  He felt that I do need the surgery.  We have scheduled it for August 19th.

This works out great as it gives me time to complete the office closures that I am in the middle of now. Plus it allows me to start looking for a new job since I will be out of work come September 30th.  The August 19th date should allow for at least the initial recovery period.

Thanks,

FPO jay2cee
Joined Jun 20, 2008

Mon, July 14, 2008 7:37 PM

 Reply posted for jay2cee.

Have you seen your surgeon recently?  Just wanted to see how things were going.

Kevin

FPO kevin
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Sun, June 29, 2008 10:04 PM

 Reply posted for kevin.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the information.  You are correct my sole of Crohn's is in the small bowel, more specifically in the duodenum.

Right now the thing that is bothering more, are the steroids.  They really are affecting my demeanor.  Being able to hit golf balls helps.  It allows me to focus on something else.

Again thanks for the info, it is greatly appreciated.  I have a follow up with my surgeon in early July.  Last time I spoke with him he was 70-30 that I would need surgery.

Well lets see.


FPO jay2cee
Joined Jun 20, 2008

Sun, June 29, 2008 8:49 PM

 Reply posted for jay2cee.

I am a survivor of UC with a jpouch.  I am also an urologist /surgeon.  The term filling defect refers to a radiographic study you recently had.A contrast material was administered orally or rectally.Susequently they take multiple pictures of your bowel.  The contrast fills or outlines the lumen/insde of your bowel.It should be smooth.  If there is a mass the contrast would outline the outside of this structure producing a filling defect in the lumen of the bowel seen on the radiogragh.  Although it could mean cancer there is no obvious association  of crohn's and cancer. Another issue is that small bowel cancer(I assume that the "follow through" is of the small bowel or it would be called a "barium enema" of the large bowel or colon) is so rare.Given your history the likelihood is that this is an inflammatory mass(non cancerous) of the small bowel such as an ulcer caused from crohn's.UC does have a risk of colon or large bowel cancer if you have suffered from this disease for at least 7-10years.Fortunately patienrs with a j pouch have no risk  because their colon and rectum are removed.The jpouch is made is of small bowel.I hope that answers your question but most importantly reassures you.Keep smiling. Kevin

FPO kevin
Joined Jun 19, 2008

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