What does it mean when your gallbladder ejection fraction is at 22%?

Question

I had a HIDA scan back in July, and the GI doc I saw said my gallbladder would eventually have to come out.
I've never missed work or college because of the pain I sometimes feel, but it is annoying.
I can't find any information on my test results, so any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Not my specialty, but I found this info for you:

Gallbladder Scan (HIDA or Hepatobiliary Scan)
This test requires you to fast overnight. You will be injected with a radioactive tracer which clears from circulation by hepatic cells of the liver and is secreted into bile. You will be imaged sequentially for approximately one hour. At this time, gallbladder and small bowel activity should be demonstrated; if not, the scan will continue. Typically, if gallbladder or small bowel activity is not visualized by four hours, the exam is ended. If a gallbladder ejection fraction is indicated, you will be given an additional injection of cholecystokinin (CCK). This is an agent administered by the radiologist that stimulates the gallbladder to contract. This injection is based on your weight and administered over a three-minute period. This adds an additional 30 minutes of imaging time to the scan. An abdominal ultrasound must be done sometime prior to this exam to confirm the absence of gallstones. The technologist will process the images to determine an actual percentage of gallbladder function (EF). A 40% or higher ejection fraction is considered normal.

Results
The images will be interpreted by a radiologist. A detailed report will be sent to your ordering physician who will then discuss the results with you.

info from: http://www.bayhealth.org/areas/diagNuclear.asp

More links for you:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Gastroenterology-971/HIDA-Scan-Results.htm
http://www.doctorndtv.com/FAQ/detailfaq.asp?id=6530
http://www.mypacs.net/cases/NORMAL-HIDA-SCAN-818324.html

From skimming over this, it seems most people have an ejection fraction of 60% or higher but below 30% is abnormal but still may be adequate. I'd get a second opinion and make sure the doctor explains things to you adequately next time.

That said, I know two nurses at work who've had their gallbladders removed and they are doing just fine, both said it was a great decision and they immediately felt much better.

Answer 2

Gallbladder Function Percentage