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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 262 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2023
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * At least 18 years old * Eligible for early (laparoscopic)\* cholecystectomy * Full required diagnostic work-up of patient has been performed, including EUS * First, second or third episode of IAP, of which at least one episode characterized by a 'negative-EUS'' result * Informed consent for participation was obtained \*if required open cholecystectomy is allowed Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with more than 3 episodes of acute pancreatitis * Diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis * Diagnosis of necrotizing pancreatitis * Current pancreatic malignancy * Prior cholecystectomy * Documented etiology of acute pancreatitis
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam
RECRUITINGAmsterdam, North Holland, 1081 HV, Netherlands