Bile samples were obtained from adult owl monkeys by ultrasound-guided
percutaneous cholecystocentesis, using a transhepatic approach. Sampl
ing frequency was once weekly over a B-week period. Clinical recovery
from each procedure was rapid. Animal body weights fluctuated within 2
2% of baseline over the study period, but maximal weight loss in any a
nimal was less than 3% at the study's end. At necropsy, gross lesions
in the liver and gallbladder were minimal. Histologic examination reve
aled mild focal cholecystitis in the gallbladder of four of six animal
s, focal pericholecystitis in three of six animals, and foci of gallbl
adder fibrosis in two animals. Changes were consistent with repeated t
rauma from the centesis procedure. Gallbladder mucosa was judged norma
l in all animals. Body weight fluctuations were attributed to a change
in diet, part of a concurrent study, rather than to the centesis proc
edure. Ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis provides a rapid, minimall
y traumatic, and safe method for repeated bile sampling in a small non
human primate.