Abstract: Aim It was to be ascertained whether gallbladder contraction function could be improved by taking cisapride orally. Methods The size, circumference, area and the largest contraction rate of gallbladder (CRG) after fat meal were compared between the control group (9 subjects) and the stone group (21 cases), and between those before and after taking cisapride orally, by ultrasonography. Results There was a lower CRG in the stone group (28. 6 ± 17. 3%) as compared with that in the controls (54. 7% ± 11. 3%, P = 0. 0030). The mean area of fasting gallbladder was significantly larger in the stone group (18. 3 ± 11. 8 cm²) than in the controls (12. 1 ± 2. 14cm², JP< 0, 05), but no significant differences in circumference and area of the gallbladder before and after cisapride administration were found. There was a significant increase of CRG (41. 1% ± 14. 7%) in the stone group after taking cisapride in comparison with that before taking cisapride (27. 5% ± 14. 7%, P = 0. 0134). The increased CRG was seen in 11 out of 13 patients with gallbladder stone (84. 6%) . Based on the C|^G before taking cisapride, there was a negative correlation between increased degrees of CRG in two groups, (r =-0. 5192). Conclusions Cisapride has the effect on improving galjbladder contraction function after fat meal in subjects with or without gallblader stone, wi|h an effect rate of 81. 8%

Key words: cholelithiasis, gallbladder, cisapride