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Transmural fluid movement in the freshly excised human gallbladder
Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Gallbladder dysfunction is common in symptomatic cholelithiasis, with about 30% retaining concentrating activity. Dysfunction ranges from loss of activity to hydrops, likely due to inflammation, not structural changes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
Background:
- Symptomatic cholelithiasis (gallstones) often involves gallbladder dysfunction.
- Understanding gallbladder fluid transport is crucial for diagnosing dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and nature of gallbladder dysfunction in symptomatic cholelithiasis.
- To correlate gallbladder function with histological findings and gallstone formation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed transmural fluid movement in 42 human gallbladders by measuring weight changes of excised specimens suspended in Ringer's solution.
- Examined histological alterations and the effect of indomethacin on gallbladder function.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of gallbladders showed normal concentrating activity; 17 had no activity.
- 12 gallbladders exhibited reversed fluid transport, including 4 cases of hydrops.
- Indomethacin restored or improved function in 8 of 13 non- or partially functioning gallbladders.
Conclusions:
- Gallbladder dysfunction in symptomatic cholelithiasis varies from absent concentrating activity to hydrops.
- Cholesterol gallstones form in gallbladders with normal concentrating function.
- Inflammation mediators, not structural changes, likely induce gallbladder dysfunction.