Postprandial gallbladder emptying in patients after pancreatoduodenectomy. A preliminary report

The study was undertaken to establish the pattern of gallbladder emptying in patients after pancreato-duodenectomy with the gallbladder preserved. 14 patients were examined. The preliminary examination revealed pathologic changes of the gallbladder in 5 patients, they were excluded from further investigations. The mean initial gallbladder volume, and the mean gallbladder maximum ejection fraction in patients after pancreatoduodenectomy were significantly lower as compared with controls. The pattern of gallbladder emptying was markedly flattened in the majority of patients, accompanied by alternate emptying and refilling of the gallbladder. On the basis of the above-mentioned observations we confirm the necessity to remove the gallbladder during pancreatoduodenectomy.