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Gallbladder emptying and gallstone formation: a prospective study on gallstone recurrence
J Pauletzki1, R Althaus, J Holl
1Department of Medicine II, Klinikum Grosshadern, University of Munich, Germany.
Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Impaired gallbladder emptying significantly increases the risk of recurrent gallstones. Patients with reduced gallbladder ejection fraction (<60%) have a higher chance of developing new gallstones after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatobiliary Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Reduced gallbladder emptying is common in patients with cholesterol gallstones.
- Impaired gallbladder motility is a potential factor in recurrent gallstone disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the effect of gallbladder emptying on the formation of recurrent gallstones.
- To clarify the role of gallbladder motility in recurrent gallstone disease.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 54 patients with single radiolucent gallstones.
- Assessment of postprandial gallbladder emptying using sonography before and after lithotripsy.
- Follow-up for gallstone recurrence for a median of 2.6 years.
Main Results:
- Gallbladder emptying was significantly more impaired in patients who experienced gallstone recurrence.
- Reduced gallbladder ejection fraction (<60%) was an independent predictor of gallstone recurrence.
- Within 3 years, 53% of patients with ejection fraction <60% developed recurrent stones, compared to 13% with ejection fraction >=60%.
Conclusions:
- Gallbladder emptying is a critical factor in the development of recurrent gallstones.
- Assessing gallbladder motility can help predict the risk of gallstone recurrence.
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