Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: September 22, 2023
Ultrasonographic evaluation of gallbladder functions in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Mustafa Güçlü1, Ali Pourbagher, Ender Serin
1Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey. mgbaskent@hotmail.com
Background:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate gallbladder function in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients.
Methods:
The functions of gallbladder were investigated every 30 min for 4 h. In addition, ejection fraction of the gallbladder was calculated from the fasting and post-prandial volumes.
Results:
In IBS patients and healthy controls, fasting gallbladder volumes were 19.64 +/- 3.09 mL and 20.04 +/- 1.82 mL, and residual volumes after 3 h were 3.36 +/- 6.82 mL and 9.74 +/- 1.50 mL. Except for the residual volume after 3 h, all these results were not statistically significant. Residual volume after 3 h was statistically significantly lower in the IBS patients than in the controls (P < 0.001). Ejection fraction of the gallbladder was significantly higher in the IBS patients than in the controls (84% vs 55%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Gallbladder contraction in patients with IBS was not different from that of a control group at post-prandial second hour but was signigicantly more pronounced at the end of 3 h when compared with controls. Ejection fraction of the gallbladder was higher in IBS patients when compared with controls.
Related Concept Videos
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography