The relationship between fasting duration and sonographic volumes of the gallbladder and the bladder in patients attending radiology departments in Kuliypitiya urban area, Sri Lanka

Background and Objectives - Patients are requested to keep fasting prior to abdominal ultrasonography, and a full bladder is requested for pelvic ultrasound. Adherence to these preparation protocols is considered crucial for diagnostic outcomes. Understanding the rationale behind these protocols is important for health care workers. This study aimed to explore effect of fasting and sonographic volumes of the gallbladder and bladder.Method - A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to December 2023 at the Teaching Hospital and a Private Hospital in the Kuliyapitiya urban area, SRI Lanka to explore the link between fasting duration and the sonographic volumes of the gallbladder and bladder in patients aged 18-60 years. Individuals with pre-existing organ conditions were excluded. A total of 186 participants undergoing sonographic examinations were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a clinical record sheet. Results - We found positive correlations between fasting duration and the volumes of the gallbladder (r = 0.216) and bladder (r = 0.246). Patients informed about preparation protocols had significantly higher bladder volumes compared to those who were uninformed.Conclusion - The research highlights the physiological impacts of fasting on the gallbladder and bladder volumes, underscoring the importance of patient preparation guidelines before sonographic examinations.