MRCP

Before I had surgery I had to have an MRCP done and just recently afterwards I went back for a followup test. This is similar to an MRI, but it doesn't require any type of dyes being injected into your body or drinking that mixture an hour before the test. The MRCP is:

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a relatively new technique for viewing the bile ducts, the pancreatic duct and the gallbladder. No contrast medium has to be administered for MRCP, unlike some other techniques. MRCP uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce detailed pictures.

Magnetic resonance imaging uses radiofrequency waves directed at the body (you do not feel anything) to excite hydrogen atoms in the molecules of water in your body. This is done in a strong magnetic field, which causes the nuclei of your hydrogen atoms to align. These nuclei emit radio signals when they return to their natural alignment. The signals are used to build a computerised image that shows differences in body tissues based on the amount of water in them. This enables extremely clear and detailed pictures to be obtained of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.

The post surgery test is to see if any gall stones escaped the surgery and have fallen into my bile duct.

I've never been claustrophobic before. I don't know if anyone out there has had one of these tests done, but you lay on the table and it moves into the tunnel of the machine. Inside you have to lie still for five minutes or so while they take their pictures.

I've been in tight areas before. I toured the catacombs of Rome, I've toured a submarine and never felt that enclosed. Once inside you look around and all you see is the tunnel walls just inches from you. You're facing forward so you don't see an end to the tunnel. I have to admit I was starting to feel a little "enclosed" after this test.

I was pretty happy when the doctor's voice came over the speaker and said it was wrapping up and I started to move back towards light again.