Cholecystography has been established as an invaluable aid in the diagnosis of gallbladder disease, but at the same time we have learned that it is not infallible. It is largely a test of the functional ability of the biliary system, and if the dye is given orally, as is our custom, the factor of absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract cannot be overlooked. In our own experience, however, the cholecystographic and operative observations have been remarkably consistant.
In a recent article, Hines1 has concluded so positively that the presence of gastric anacidity interferes with the proper interpretation of the cholecystogram that we were moved to review our own series for confirmation or contradiction of his opinion.
Of 5,578 consecutive patients who were submitted to gastric analysis, seen in association with Dr. Douglas VanderHoof, we found 570 with anacidity, an incidence of 10.2 per cent. If one out of every ten