Gall-bladder emptying measured by a radioisotopic method.

A method of oral radioisotope cholecystography is described using 131I sodium ipodate. Gall-bladder emptying was measured by this method and radiographically: (a) in a model, (b) in 34 patients having oral cholecystography. There was a good correlation between the two methods of measuring volume changes, both in vitro and in vivo. The isotope cholecystogram has the advantage of a lower radiation hazard, and is the only satisfactory method of studying the onset, rate and duration of gall-bladder emptying. These may be easily measurable markers of disorders of the upper small bowel.