Lack of relationship between serum and gallbladder bile calcium in patients with gallstone disease

Abstract

Background: Recent studies suggest that alternation in serum calcium influences the level of gallbladder bile ionized calcium (Ca²⁺). Theoretically, this could increase the risk of calcium precipitation in the gallbladder. Methods: We therefore measured serum and gallbladder bile minerals in patients with gallstones (n=27) and without (n=10, controls). The serum samples were taken just prior to induction of anaesthesia and gallbladder bile was aspirated before any manipulation of the gallbladder. Results: The active molality of Ca²⁺