The influence of fasting on opacification of the gallbladder during oral cholecystography using two consecutive doses in a canine model.

Oral cholecystography was performed in eight adult mongrel dogs. Contrast agents (Telepaque and/or Bilopaque) were administered in six different combinations, given as two consecutive doses with and without food. A combination of Bilopaque alone on both days and a combination of Telepaque with food on the first day and Bilopaque alone on the second day each proved to be the best method in 37.5% of the dogs. Telepaque with food on both consecutive days was the best method in 25% of the dogs. Among the eight combinations, two consecutive doses of Bilopaque alone or a combination of Telepaque with food on the first day and Bilopaque alone on the second day resulted in the most dense opacification of the gallbladder. Clinical implications of these results are discussed.