Evaluation of gallbladder motility in patients following total gastrectomy (Roux-en-Y) by infusion cholescintigraphy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to evaluate gallbladder (GB) motor function, by infusion cholescintigraphy, in patients after total gastrectomy (Roux-en-Y) with expected disturbances in the physiological regulation of biliary tract motility. METHODS: The study was done in 10 controls, as well as in 12 patients early (less than 2 months) and in 14 late (6 months-2 years) after surgery. Anterior abdominal imaging by gamma camera and computer acquisition was performed during three-hours infusion of 150 MBq, preceded by the loading dose of 50 MBq of 99mTc-EHIDA in bolus injection. The test meal stimulation was done in the 120th min of the study. GB TA curve was obtained and five parameters of GB motility were analysed: durations of filling (ascending) and emptying (descending) phases, filling and emptying rate ratio and ejection fraction and rate. RESULTS: Our results have shown that in the early period after the operation GB filling is prolonged and emptying impaired, while after several months GB motor function is normalised. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the infusion cholescintigraphy is potentially useful in patients after such surgery to decide on the specific treatment introduction in order to prevent GB calculosis and other complications