Gall-bladder contraction and bile duct opacification in oral cholecystography—a comparison of different methods

Abstract

The effect of injection of a cholecystokinetic agent, Ceruletide, was compared with that of the fatty meal following a single dose of Biloptin, and Biloptin with Solubiloptin, in regard to efficiency of gall-bladder contraction, cystic and common bile duct visualisation and side effects. In terms of gall-bladder contraction and ductal delineation no advantage was found from giving Ceruletide or Solubiloptin. Gall-bladder contraction occurred more quickly after Ceruletide than after a fatty meal, with corresponding earlier duct delineation, although the gall bladder was completely emptied of contrast medium in a significant proportion of Ceruletide cases. The incidence of abdominal pain was significantly greater after Ceruletide than after a fatty meal. Because Ceruletide requires an intramuscular injection and has no significant advantage over the fatty meal in regard to gall-bladder contraction and ductal delineation, its use in cholecystography is unjustified. A morning dose of Solubiloptin following Biloptin the previous evening offers no advantage over the Biloptin and fatty meal regimen.

Assessment of gallbladder function using ceruletide in oral cholecystography

“…The incidence of nausea was almost half that found by McConnell et al [15] but was comparable to the findings of Davidsen and Jorgensen [4].…”

“…In the series of McConnell et al [15], who used a different dosage regimen, the incidence was 26% with total expulsion before the 10-minute film in 8% of cases. This may well reflect the higher dosage levels used in some of their patients.…”