Quick ultrasound may spot bowel blockages without radiation

NCT ID NCT04848415

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a bedside ultrasound (POCUS) can accurately detect or rule out bowel obstruction in 150 adults with abdominal pain. Doctors performed the ultrasound after a physical exam, then compared results to a CT scan. The goal is to see if this quick, radiation-free tool can reliably diagnose bowel blockages in the emergency room.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help emergency doctors quickly rule out bowel obstruction without radiation or a CT scan.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study (150 people) comparing ultrasound to CT. Ultrasound may miss some cases, and results depend on the doctor's skill.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHU de Nantes

    Nantes, 44093, France

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.