Could removing the gallbladder stop mystery pancreatitis attacks?

NCT ID NCT06391359

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether removing the gallbladder with keyhole surgery can prevent repeat episodes of acute pancreatitis in people whose cause remains unknown after thorough testing. Half the participants will have the surgery, while the other half will receive watchful waiting. Researchers will track how many people in each group have another pancreatitis attack over the following year.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (minimally invasive gallbladder removal surgery)
What this could lead to
If effective, this surgery could become a standard way to prevent repeat episodes of unexplained acute pancreatitis, reducing hospitalizations and improving quality of life.
What could go wrong
The trial is still testing the idea, and surgery carries risks like bleeding, infection, or bile duct injury. It may not reduce recurrence in all patients, and watchful waiting might be equally effective for some.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for IDIOPATHIC ACUTE PANCREATITIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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

  • Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam

    RECRUITING

    Amsterdam, North Holland, 1081 HV, Netherlands