Cholecystitis: EUS-guided Gallbladder Drainage vs Cyst removal by LCC in older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The CHOICE trial is a multicenter randomized study in Finnish hospitals comparing endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC) in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. Participants are randomized 1:1 and receive standard antibiotics alongside the assigned procedure. EUS-GBD uses a lumen-apposing metal stent to drain the gallbladder internally, with the aim of avoiding surgical gallbladder removal. LCC follows standard laparoscopic techniques for gallbladder removal. The trial seeks to determine which approach provides better safety and recovery in this high-risk population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 75 years or older.
* Radiologically confirmed acute cholecystitis.
* Elevated inflammatory parameters.
* Able to provide written informed consent.
* Able to complete follow-up questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age under 75 years.
* Considered unfit for surgery.
* ASA physical status classification below III.
* Unwillingness to participate in follow-up assessments.
* Lack of written informed consent.
* Clinical Frailty Scale score of 8 or higher.

Where it's running

• Oulu University Hospital
  Oulu, Oulu, Finland Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.