[Physiology of gallbladder motility and its clinical importance]

The role of gallbladder motility (GBM) in gastrointestinal diseases has been frequently ignored. Recently however, the introduction of new diagnostic methods and data on the normal physiology of gallbladder emptying and refilling have placed this interesting area of gastrointestinal motility where it justly deserves. In this way it has been possible to recognize and further study the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in some clinical situations with a higher-than expected frequency of gallstones (GS). It has also been possible to identify with more clarity the role GBM has in the chain of events that lead to GS development and thus, to plan prevention or therapeutic strategies. The discovery of new drugs with effects on GBM have also permitted to further advance in the knowledge of normal physiologic mechanisms and to have access to possible future treatments. Also pathologic entities have been clearly defined, such as chronic acalculous cholecystitis. In this review we present recent knowledge on normal GBM physiology and its clinical applications as well consequences of its dysfunction.