New balloon method may simplify bile duct stone removal during gallbladder surgery

NCT ID NCT07490730

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a technique where a balloon is used to widen the bile duct opening and clear stones during emergency gallbladder removal surgery. 100 adults with bile duct stones took part. After surgery, an MRI scan checked if all stones were gone. The goal was to see if this method works as well as the standard ERCP procedure, which is more complex.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

balloon dilatation of the papillary sphincter

What this could lead to

If successful, this technique could offer a less invasive way to clear bile duct stones during gallbladder surgery, potentially reducing the need for a separate ERCP procedure.

What could go wrong

This is a single-center study with only 100 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The technique may not work for larger stones or in patients with severe inflammation, and complications like pancreatitis are possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

choledocholithiasis cholelithiasis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • North Estonia Medical Centre

    Tallinn, Harju, 13419, Estonia