[The value of echotomographic measurement of gallbladder volume in the evaluation of its contractility].

Ultrasonographic examination of the gallbladder was performed in 2 patient groups: 20 volunteers (group I) and 20 patients with cholelithiasis (group II). Gallbladder volume was echotomographically measured before and after holagogue was administered. Dodd's ellipsoidal method was used for the elevation of gallbladder contractility. The mean value of gallbladder contractility was 69.9% in the group of volunteers. After the holagogue administration, the decrease of gallbladder volume was noticed in all the studied patients. In group of patients with cholelithiasis, the reaction after holagogue administration was different: the increase of gallbladder volume was noticed in 8 patients after the holagogue administration and the poor gallbladder contractility (below 50%) was noticed in 8 patients. Four patients had no reaction after the holagogue administration. Echotomography was determined to be reliable method in the diagnosis of gallbladder contractility disturbances.