Abstract
Recent studies 1 , 2 tend to minimize the importance of the sphincter of Oddi in the regulation of gall-bladder activity. However, the methods which have been employed to eliminate the action of the sphincter are open to a number of criticisms. We have attempted to avoid them by completely dividing the common duct proximal to the sphincter and implanting the stump into another part of the duodenum. The effect of this procedure upon the action of the gall-bladder was determined by means of cholecystograms which were made according to the method described by Graham and his co-workers. 3
Under ether anesthesia, the common duct in 2 dogs was isolated and doubly ligated just above its entrance into the duodenum. A linear incision 2 cm. long was made in the anterior surface of the duodenum about 8 cm. from the pyloric sphincter. The duct was divided 1/2 cm. proximal to the ligature, and fixed at the lower angle of the opening in the duodenum, which was then closed by two sutures.
Six weeks and 8 weeks respectively, after the operation, cholecystograms were obtained in the following manner: 0.12 gms. sodium tetraiodophthalein per kilo body weight were injected intravenously. Eighteen hours after the injection of the dye, the first X-ray film was taken. Then the dogs were fed with the yolks of 3 eggs in 200 cc. of cream 4 and films were taken at intervals of 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours after the meal.
In both dogs, the shadow was normal in size and density at the 18th hour observation. Following the meal, in one dog, there was progressive shrinkage and increased density of the shadow, with complete disappearance at the 24 hour period.
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