GALLBLADDER VOLUME VARIATIONS AFTER MEAL INGESTION

Objective: To assess gallbladder (GB) volume variations in response to a standard meal. Methods: We assessed these variations with ultrasono graphy at brief intervals over the postprandial period, which included the emptying and refilling phases of the GB. Results: During both emp tying and refilling of the GB, the volume fluctuated continuously, wit h brief alternating volume decrements and increments. The phases of em ptying and refilling appear to be the net result of the algebraic sum of these volume fluctuations. In the emptying phase, the volume decrem ents showed a greater volume (35.7+/-10.7 ml vs. 14.8+/-8.4 ml) and la sted longer (158+/-37 min vs. 85+/-44 min) than the volume increments, whereas the opposite took place in the refilling phase (4.3+/-3.4 ml vs. 16.4+/-12.2 ml; 39+/-20 min vs. 84+/-37 min). Conclusion: It is pr obable that the continuous GB volume fluctuations are the expression o f hepatic bile recycling in the GB during the entire postprandial peri od, and the amount of bile recycled by the GB is greater during the em ptying than the refilling phase.