Effect of Cholecystectomy on the Role of the Gall Bladder in Fat Absorption.

It is generally agreed that evacuation of the gall bladder enhances the digestion and absorption of fat. Clinical experience or phylogenetic considerations (Ivy, 1953; Schondube, 1955) are quoted in support of this opinion. Unfortunately convincing evidence is lacking. Some studies performed after cholecystectomy in man (Bucko and Dvorsky, 1957; Fedor and Fisher, 1960), in the dog (Heersma and Annegers, 1948), and in the cat (Ginter, Bobek, Blazek, and Cervein, 1963) indicate that the gall bladder may play a minor role in fat absorption. The rising incidence of biliary disease and of cholecystectomy stimulated us to a detailed study of this problem. The digestion (Krondl, 1961a, b) and absorption (Krondl, 1961c, d, e) of fat were compared in patients after cholecystectomy and in control subjects.