Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

The Role of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence in Complex Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Navigation
03:27

The Role of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence in Complex Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Navigation

Published on: January 31, 2025

Hyperkinetic gallbladder: an indication for cholecystectomy?

Erika B Lindholm1, J Brannon Alberty, Faith Hansbourgh

  • 1Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

The American Surgeon
|September 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cholecystectomy can relieve biliary colic in children with normal ultrasounds and high gallbladder ejection fractions on CCK-HIDA scans. This gallbladder removal surgery offers symptom relief for pediatric patients with specific gallbladder dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Biliary colic in children often presents without gallstones.
  • Abnormal gallbladder function, indicated by low or high ejection fraction on cholecystokinin-hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (CCK-HIDA) scans, is implicated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of cholecystectomy in pediatric patients with symptomatic biliary colic and abnormal CCK-HIDA scan findings, specifically high ejection fractions.
  • To assess symptom relief and outcomes following gallbladder removal in this specific pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years) who underwent cholecystectomy between 2008-2012.
  • Inclusion criteria: negative ultrasound (US) and CCK-HIDA ejection fraction ≥80%.
  • Data collection included chart review and postoperative symptom assessment via phone interviews.

Main Results:

  • 12 out of 174 (7%) patients met the study criteria.
  • All 12 patients had confirmed cholecystitis on pathology.
  • 11 of 12 patients reported complete relief of biliary colic symptoms post-surgery, with a mean follow-up of 16 months.

Conclusions:

  • Cholecystectomy can be a beneficial treatment for select pediatric patients experiencing biliary colic with normal ultrasounds and high ejection fractions on CCK-HIDA scans.
  • High gallbladder ejection fraction in symptomatic children may indicate a functional gallbladder disorder treatable with cholecystectomy.

Related Concept Videos

Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Gallbladder01:17

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. Measuring about 10 cm in length, it is comparable in size to a kiwi fruit and is located in a hollow area on the lower surface of the liver. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a fluid produced by the liver that aids in digestion.
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 Management01:30

Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment: