The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that sits on the right side of the abdomen. It acts as a storage pouch for bile, which is produced by the liver. The gallbladder is full of ducts, through which it pushes bile into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. Problems that can affect the gallbladder include:
Gallstones – hardened deposits that are usually harmless unless they block bile ducts
Cholecystitis – gallbladder infection and/or inflammation
Acalculous cholecystitis – gallbladder emptying malfunction
Gallstone pancreatitis – blockage of a pancreatic duct, causing dangerous inflammation of the pancreas
Congenital bile duct abnormalities, such as biliary atresia
Cancer – a rare condition
The first step in diagnostic testing is usually a blood test to look for signs of infection or inflammation. After that, imaging scans may be employed to examine the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and liver to diagnose gallbladder disease and any related problems.
Common Gallbladder Scans
Ultrasound – Abdominal ultrasound is often the first test used to look for gallstones due to its speed, ease of use, safety and overall comfort. With ultrasound, a clear conductive gel is applied to the skin, and a transducer wand is passed back and forth over the abdomen. The wand uses sound waves to create images of the abdominal organs and any gallstones. It is quick, painless, and requires no contrast agent.
X-ray – An abdominal x-ray may be used to check for gallstones or blockages.
CT – A computed tomography scan combines x-ray imaging with computer technology to create detailed images of the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and liver. A CT scan can image gallstones above a certain size, spot infection and identify blockages. CT may require use of a contrast agent to highlight details.
MRCP – A specialized type of MRI, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography produces highly detailed views of the biliary system. MRCP is painless, noninvasive and creates images using a strong magnetic field, so it is radiation-free.
HIDA – The hydroxyl iminodiacetic acid scan, also called a cholescintigraphy or a hepatobiliary/gallbladder scan, is a nuclear medicine scan that uses a mild radioactive material to produce pictures of the biliary tract and liver. A small amount of radiopharmaceutical is injected into a vein, where it travels through the bloodstream to the tissues of the gallbladder. As the material moves through the liver to the biliary tract, a gamma camera takes pictures showing any bile duct obstructions, irregular gallbladder contractions, or gallbladder enlargement. It may be combined with x-ray or ultrasound for deeper investigation.
RAO for Gallbladder Scans
If your healthcare provider has ordered a gallbladder or abdominal scan, locally-owned-and-operated RAO offers the latest in x-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, HIDA gallbladder, and a full range of leading-edge imaging technologies for fast, accurate answers and considerate, attentive care.
