Oral cholecystography after liver transplantation in man

Orthotopic liver transplantation has been performed in Cambridge since 1967. In order to prevent complications resulting from the biliary drainage techniques, the donor gall bladder was interposed between the donor and recipient common bile duct as a vascularised pedical graft. The procedure, first performed in 1976, has been employed where possible ever since. Six patients having had this technique performed, and who remained well six months to six years after liver graft, underwent oral cholecystography. Four patients opacified the interposed gall bladder and the gall bladder contracted in response to cholecystography or a fatty meal. This is the first time oral cholecystography has been used in these patients. The detail is such that it can be used to follow non-jaundiced liver-grafted patients.