GALLBLADDER SIZE - IS IT AFFECTED BY THE ORAL INTAKE OF WATER OR DILUTE CONTRAST-MEDIUM

Examinations of the gallbladder are performed by ultrasonography while patients are in a fasting state. In contrast, computed tomography of the abdomen is carried out in fasting patients who were given 2% meglu mine diatrizoate (Urografin) solution to opacify the gut. Sonographic examination was performed to establish whether the weight of fluids gi ven to patients had any effect on the volume of the gallbladder. Gallb ladder size was measured in subjects with a normal gallbladder. The ga llbladder also was measured in 117 people in the fasting state, and 10 and 30 minutes later, it was measured again after an intake of 500 ml of water or a dilute solution of contrast medium. Both groups showed evidence of gallbladder contraction, but no significant statistical di fference between them was apparent. It appears, therefore, that the co ntrast medium solution given before abdominal computed tomography may cause some gallbladder contraction.