Abstract
The double contrast method by endoscopic transpapillary catheterization in the gallbladder was performed in 19 patients with gallbladder disease. In a case, the double contrast imaging of the gallbladder provided clearer images than that of the conventional ERC and a fine reticular pattern of the gallbladder wall was obtained. In 15 cases, a fine reticular pattern of the gallbladder wall was not obtained, but the double contrast method was effective. The double contrast images in 2 of the remaining 3 cases were similar to the conventional ERC. However, it was ineffective in a patient with a small polyp. It is important that the bile must be aspirated as much as possible in order to detect small lesions. We used, therefore, a catheter with side holes and a metal tip so that bile can be sufficiently aspirated from the gallbladder. About 48 ml of bile was aspirated through this catheter. Moreover, a fine reticular pattern of the gallbladder wall could be clearly demonstrated by using barium sulfate as the contrast material. The technology of this method can be utilized for the diagnosis as well as cytological examination of bile sample obtaind from the catheter in the gallbladder. From the experience with this method, a new technique could be used as an effective method in making an accurate diagnosis of gallbladder diseases.
