Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

A Two-Step Method for Percutaneous Transhepatic Choledochoscopic Lithotomy
Published on: September 13, 2022
Postprandial dilatation of the gallbladder in cholelithiasis
1Department of Radiology, Western Galilee Hospital, 22100 Nahariya, Israel.
Purpose:
We assessed the postprandial sonographic findings in patients with cholelithiasis whose gallbladders were completely contracted after fasting.
Methods:
The gallbladders of 5 patients with recurrent abdominal pain were completely contracted despite overnight fasting and could not be adequately examined on sonography. The patients were given a fatty meal and re-examined after 30 minutes.
Results:
In all patients, the gallbladder became distended after the meal, and gallstones were clearly demonstrated.
Conclusions:
Patients whose gallbladders are completely contracted after overnight fasting and cannot be adequately evaluated on sonography should be given a fatty meal and re-examined sonographically. This technique is efficient in preventing unnecessary additional patient visits for the evaluation of cholelithiasis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Gastric Emptying
Gallbladder
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins the common...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...
Pyloric Obstruction
Cholecystitis

