Postprandial dilatation of the gallbladder in cholelithiasis.

PURPOSE

We assessed the postprandial sonographic findings in patients with cholelithiasis whose gallbladders were completely contracted after fasting.

METHODS

The gallbladders of 5 patients with recurrent abdominal pain were completely contracted despite overnight fasting and could not be adequately examined on sonography. The patients were given a fatty meal and re-examined after 30 minutes.

RESULTS

In all patients, the gallbladder became distended after the meal, and gallstones were clearly demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients whose gallbladders are completely contracted after overnight fasting and cannot be adequately evaluated on sonography should be given a fatty meal and re-examined sonographically. This technique is efficient in preventing unnecessary additional patient visits for the evaluation of cholelithiasis.