Gallbladder Scan: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
A gallbladder scan is done to:
- Help determine the cause of pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
- Evaluate the function of the gallbladder. A gallbladder ultrasound may be done before a gallbladder scan to help find structural problems in the gallbladder. If the ultrasound is normal, a gallbladder scan often is done to evaluate gallbladder function.
- Help determine the cause of jaundice.
- Find blockage of the tubes (bile ducts) leading from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine (duodenum).
- Look for leakage of bile after surgery or an injury.
| Last updated: | October 24, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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