Postprandial dilatation of the gallbladder in cholelithiasis

Purpose. We assessed the postprandial sonographic findings in patients with cholelithiasis whose gallbladders were completely contracted after fasting. Methods. The gallbladders of 5 patients with recurrent abdominal pain were completely contracted despite overnight fasting and could not be adequately examined on sonography. The patients were given a fatty meal and re-examined after 30 minutes. Results. In all patients, the gallbladder became distended after the meal, and gallstones were clearly demonstrated. Conclusions. Patients whose gallbladders are completely contracted after overnight fasting and cannot be adequately evaluated on sonography should be given a fatty meal and re-examined sonographically. This technique is efficient in preventing unnecessary additional patient visits for the evaluation of cholelithiasis.