Gallstones

This study compares three approaches for people with both gallstones and bile duct stones: a gallbladder-preserving procedure using an endoscope, ERCP plus gallbladder removal surgery, or conservative management with medication or watchful waiting. Researchers will track complica…

This study tests whether placing a small plastic tube (stent) in the pancreas during a gallstone removal procedure can prevent pancreatitis, a painful inflammation. 88 adults with both gallbladder and common bile duct stones will be randomly assigned to receive either standard ca…

This study looks at whether removing the gallbladder soon (within 3 days) or later (after 1 month) after a procedure to clear bile duct stones leads to better outcomes. About 40 adults with gallstones and bile duct stones will be randomly assigned to one of the two timing groups.…

This study tests whether giving an antibiotic (gentamicin) directly into the bile duct during a procedure called ERCP helps people with acute cholangitis recover faster. About 172 adults with mild to moderate infection will be randomly assigned to receive either the extra antibio…

This study is testing whether a specific diet can help people pass very small gallstones (sludge) without surgery. One hundred adults with tiny stones (less than 2 mm) will be randomly assigned to a special diet or a control diet. The main goal is to see if the diet can completel…

This study looks at whether older adults (80+ or 75+ with health issues) benefit more from gallbladder removal surgery or simply monitoring after their bile duct stones are cleared. About 400 participants will be followed for a year to compare deaths, major complications, and ret…

This study tests a capsule called CnU (750 mg) to see if it can dissolve cholesterol gallstones. About 484 adults with small, non-calcified gallstones will take the capsule for 24 weeks. The goal is to check if the stones shrink or disappear, and to ensure the treatment is safe.

This study compares standard ultrasound (done on the outside of the belly) with laparoscopic ultrasound (done inside the abdomen during weight-loss surgery) to see which finds more gallstones and other gallbladder issues. The goal is to better identify patients who could benefit …

This study tests whether a machine learning model can accurately predict gallstones in the bile duct, potentially reducing the need for invasive endoscopic ultrasound or MRI. Researchers will enroll 1,000 adults with a moderate chance of having gallstones. If the model works well…

This study is testing a new, single-use scope called the Dragonfly™ Digital Pancreaticobiliary System. It is designed to help doctors see inside the bile and pancreatic ducts during an endoscopy. The study will enroll up to 75 adults with bile duct stones or narrowings (stricture…

This study tests if spraying nitroglycerin directly into the bile duct during an ERCP procedure can prevent pancreatitis, a common and serious complication. About 440 adults who need ERCP to remove bile duct stones will take part. The goal is to see if this simple, local treatmen…

This study tests whether adding a gentle electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) to a standard three-drug anti-nausea regimen can further reduce vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. Researchers will compare active TEAS to a sham (fake) version in 780 women at high risk for postope…

This study compares two devices used during an ERCP procedure to break up large or stuck stones in the bile or pancreatic ducts. Forty adults will be randomly assigned to receive either low-power holmium laser lithotripsy or electrohydraulic lithotripsy. The main goal is to see w…

This study tests whether a non-invasive device called TENS, which delivers mild electrical currents through the skin, can reduce anxiety and pain and improve satisfaction in 80 adults having laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Participants will receive either standard care or TENS …

This study compares two types of gallbladder removal surgery for non-cancerous conditions like gallstones or polyps. About 276 adults will be randomly assigned to either robotic or standard laparoscopic surgery. The main goal is to see if robotic surgery is as safe as the traditi…

This study aims to collect medical data and biological samples (blood, urine, stool, and tissue) from up to 4,000 adults with known or suspected gastrointestinal diseases. Participants receive standard medical care at the NIH, and any extra samples or leftover tissue from procedu…

This study looks at whether using lung ultrasound right after gallbladder surgery can find breathing problems like collapsed lung tissue (atelectasis) early. About 110 adults having laparoscopic gallbladder removal with low-flow anesthesia will be checked. The goal is to see if e…

This study looks at better ways to diagnose bile duct stones, which can be dangerous if missed. Current methods often lead to unnecessary procedures. Researchers will test if changes in liver enzyme levels can improve accuracy. About 2000 adults with suspected stones will take pa…

This study looks at how gut bacteria and body chemistry change in people who have surgery to remove gallstones. Researchers will collect stool, urine, blood, and saliva samples before and after surgery from 65 adults. The goal is to understand these changes, not to test a new tre…

This study observes 340 patients in Norway who need gallbladder surgery and also have bile duct stones. Doctors will use one of two methods to remove the stones during surgery: a laparoscopic technique through the bile duct or an endoscopic procedure. The goal is to see which met…

This study compares the carbon footprint of two tests used to diagnose gallstones: endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Both are equally accurate, but MRCP uses more energy and larger machines. Researchers will measure the total gree…

This study tracks 1,000 patients undergoing major liver, pancreas, or bile duct surgery to see if the time it takes for their albumin levels to return to normal can predict complications and length of hospital stay. Albumin is a protein that drops after surgery due to inflammatio…

This study follows 800 people with gallstones and belly pain who are scheduled for gallbladder removal surgery. Researchers will track their symptoms and quality of life before and three months after surgery. The goal is to create a simple tool that predicts who will actually get…