Patient Preparation
In most of the clinical applications, patient should fast at least for 2-4 h. It is also acceptable an overnight fasting state. However if fast is too prolonged, then the gallbladder may be much dilated and not fill in at the time of the scan, giving a false positive for exclusion. This may occur when patients are receiving parenteral nutrition for instance. If so a biliary tract stimulation may be necessary before the Disida Scan or repeat the study.
In children and in cases of suspected Biliary Atresia, it is advisable to administer oral phenobarbital 5 mg/kg/day for 5-7 days previous to the scan. This medication stimulates the liver cell enzimatic activity and may facilitate the biliary tract and bowel visualization.
References:
1 Alejandra Muñoz, Carlos Alberto Buchpiguel y Marcelo Tatit. ENFERMEDADES DEL HÍGADO Y VÍAS BILIARES DEL ADULTO, p: 259 -270 in: Medicina Nuclear Aplicaciones Clínicas. Eds: I. Carrio - P. González. Editorial Masson, Barcelona España, 2003.
2 Helena R. Balon et al Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy SOCIETY OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE PROCEDURE GUIDELINES MANUAL 3.0.; 2001-2002: 55-60