Evaluation of the biliary tract in patients with functional biliary symptoms

The aim of this paper was to describe functional biliary syndromes and methods for evaluation of the biliary tract in these patients. Functional biliary symptoms can be defined as biliary symptoms without demonstrable organic substrate. Two main syndromes exist: Gallbladder dysfunction and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The most important investigative tools are cholescintigraphy and endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry. In gallbladder dysfunction a scintigraphic gallbladder ejection fraction below 35% can select patients who will benefit from cholecystectomy. Endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry is considered the gold standard in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction but recent development in scintigraphic methods is about to change this. Thus, calculation of hilum-to-duodenum transit time and duodenal appearance time on cholescintigraphy have proven useful in these patients. In conclusion, ambient methods can diagnose functional biliary syndromes. However, there are still a number of issues where further knowledge is needed. Probably the next step forward will be in the area of sensory testing and impedance planimetric methods.