Comparing gallbladder drainage methods for gallstones treatment

Cholelithiasis Management: Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy vs EUS-guided Gallbladder Cholecystostomy for Gallstones Clearance

NA · Instituto Ecuatoriano de Enfermedades Digestivas · NCT06038201

This study is testing a less invasive method for treating gallstones to see if it can help adults recover faster and with fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstituto Ecuatoriano de Enfermedades Digestivas (other)
Locations1 site (Guayaquil, Guayas)
Trial IDNCT06038201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (GBD) with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) compared to the standard elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. The aim is to determine if the less invasive EUS-guided approach can reduce complications and recovery time associated with traditional surgery. Participants will be adults with documented gallstones who are suitable candidates for either treatment. The study will be conducted at a single center in Ecuador.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 89 with symptomatic gallstones who can consent to either treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with other biliary diseases, acute conditions, or high-risk factors for gallbladder cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer, less invasive alternative to surgery for patients with gallstones.

How similar studies have performed: Similar studies have shown promising results for EUS-guided approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults \>18 years old and \<89 years old
* Adult symptomatic patients with gallstones documented by US
* Subject is a suitable candidate for an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy or an EUS-guided GBD
* Patients or authorized representative give informed consent for endoscopic or surgical approach

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases other than gallstones (tumors, obstructions, inflammation)
* Patients with acute cholecystitis, cholangitis or choledocholithiasis.
* Patients with gallbladder polyps, family history of gallbladder cancer, or any other high-risk factor for gallbladder cancer
* Patient unable to give informed consent or refuse to participate.
* Prior biliary intervention
* Pregnancy or nursing
* Any other medical condition that contraindicates surgical or endoscopic procedures

Where this trial is running

Guayaquil, Guayas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cholelithiasis, biliary, cholecystostomy, laparoscopic, cholecystectomy, gallstones

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.