Ultrasonographic Evaluation Of Gall Bladder Function In Patients With The Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Year 2000, Volume: 1 Issue: 3, 5 - 7, 01.12.2000

Alparslan Ünsal Alev Akdilli Ali Önder Karaoğlu Fayat Kök Yelda Özsunar Dayanır Can Z. Karaman

Abstract

Objective: Colon is not the only organ affected by the irritable bowel syndrome. Oesophagus, stomach and even urinary bladder may also be involved. The cause of the alteration of motility is not apperent, but nowadays, autonomic nervous system disorders and abnormal release of the cholecystokinin are blamed for this disorder. Material and method: This prospective study was conducted between February and June 1999. The study population was composed of 28 irritable bowel syndrome patients ( 5 men, 23 women; average age 43 ± 11,8 years) and 20 healthy subjects (13 men, 7 women; average age 29,8 ± 10,5 years). The patient group was selected according to Manning's criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. Patients who described jaundice, biliary colic or gastrointestinal surgery were excluded. After clinical examination, patients were evaluated with ultrasonography following a 10 hour fasting period. Gall bladder volume, thickness of the wall and the diameter of the bile duct were measured. Same measurements were repeated 45 minutes after a fatty meal. Ejection fraction of the gall bladder was calculated from the fasting and postprandial volumes. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of wall thickness, bile duct diameter and ejection fraction. A statistically significant difference was found between the postprandial volumes of the patient and control groups. Conclusion: In this study, no statistically significant difference was observed for ejection fraction. However, a significant difference between postprandial volumes of patients versus controls may support the hypothesis that gall bladder function can be affected in irritable bowel syndrome.

Keywords

Irritable bowel syndrome, gall bladder function, ultrasonography

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