Comparing the carbon footprint of endoscopic ultrasound versus MRCP for suspected common bile duct stones
Prospective Comparison of the Carbon Footprint of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) vs Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for Evaluation of Suspected Choledocholithiasis
This project will test whether endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) produces a smaller carbon footprint than MRCP when used to check for common bile duct (CBD) stones in adults with intermediate risk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hyderabad, Telangana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07283185 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will measure and compare greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e) associated with diagnostic MRCP and EUS performed for adults with intermediate likelihood of CBD stones at a single tertiary center. Participants are adults referred for either MRCP or EUS per standard clinical care, and the trial will capture energy use, equipment and facility contributions, and downstream procedure needs such as same-session ERCP. The design builds on prior randomized data showing similar diagnostic performance between the two tests and prior work suggesting lower emissions from EUS. Results will be reported as per-procedure carbon footprints to inform more sustainable diagnostic choices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) with an intermediate likelihood of CBD stone per ESGE guidelines who are undergoing either MRCP or EUS are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients categorized as high or low likelihood for CBD stone, those with contraindications to either modality, or those undergoing both tests simultaneously would not be expected to benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians choose a lower-carbon diagnostic option and reduce the environmental impact of care without compromising diagnosis.
How similar studies have performed: A landmark randomized trial has shown MRCP and EUS are diagnostically equivalent for intermediate-risk patients, and prior research has shown diagnostic EUS often produces substantially less CO2e per procedure than radiologic imaging.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * Intermediate likelihood of CBD stone (per ESGE) * Undergoing either MRCP or EUS for evaluation Exclusion Criteria: * High or low likelihood category (per ESGE) * Undergoing both MRCP and EUS simultaneously * Contraindications to either modality
Where this trial is running
Hyderabad, Telangana
- AIG Hospitals — Hyderabad, Telangana, India (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dr.Hardik Rughwani
- Email: dr.hardikr@aighospitals.com
- Phone: 9426928600
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.