Gallbladder function and dynamics of bile flow in asymptomatic gallstone disease

AIM： To investigate the effects of gallbladder stones on motor functions of the gallbladder and the dynamics of bile flow in asymptomatic gallstone disease. METHODS： Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy was performed to detect the parameters of gallbladder motor function [gallbladder ejection fraction （GBEF）, gallbladder visualization time （GBVT）, gallbladder time to peak activity （GBTmax）, gallbladder half emptying time （GBT1/2）, and transit time of bile to duodenum （TTBD）] in 24 patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis who were diagnosed incidentally during routine abdominal ultrasonographic examination and 20 healthy subjects with normal gallbladder. RESULTS： Even though there was no significant difference in the clinical and laboratory parameters between the patient and control groups, all parameters of gallbladder function except TTBD were found to differ significantly between the two groups. GBEF in the patient group was decreased （P = 0.000） and GBVT, GBT GBT1/2 in the patient group were longer （P = 0.000, P = 0.015, P = 0.001, respectively）.there were not any clinical and laboratory findings, gallbladder filling and emptying could be impaired in patients with gallstone disease.

Cracking the silent gallstone code:Wait or operate?

The widespread availability of abdominal ultrasound has revealed the common occurrence of asymptomatic gallstones.While the treatment for symptomatic gallstones is clear,the benefits of minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy have sparked debate about the best approach to managing silent gallstones.The potential for asymptomatic gallstones to become symptomatic or lead to complications complicates the decision-making process regarding surgical intervention,as it's uncertain when or which patients might develop complications.Consequently,risk stratification appears to play a critical role in guiding decisions about silent gallstones.However,there is no definitive evidence to direct management,and a consensus-based on high-quality evidence is yet to be established.

Gallstones in patients with liver cirrhosis:Incidence,etiology,clinical and therapeutical aspects

Gallstones occur in about one third of the patients having liver cirrhosis.Pigment gallstones are the most frequent type,while cholesterol stones represent about15%of all stones in cirrhotics.Increased secretion of unconjugated bilirubin,increased hydrolysis of conjugated bilirubin in the bile,reduced secretion of bile acids and phospholipds in bile favor pigment lithogenesis in cirrhotics.Gallbladder hypomotility also contributes to lithogenesis.The most recent data regarding risk factors for gallstones are presented.Gallstone prevalence increases with age,with a ratio male/female higher than in the general population.Chronic alcoholism,viral C cirrhosis,and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are the underlying liver diseases most often associated with gallstones.Gallstones are often asymptomatic,and discovered incidentally.If asymptomatic,expectant management is recommended,as for asymptomatic gallstones in the general population.However,a closer follow-up of these patients is necessary in order to earlier treat symptoms or complications.For symptomatic stones,laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the therapy of choice.Child-Pugh class and MELD score are the best predictors of outcome after cholecystectomy.Patients with severe liver disease are at highest surgical risk,therefore gallstone complications should be treated using noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures,until stabilization of the patient condition.