Comparing two methods for removing complicated bile duct stones

Randomized Controlled Trial of Spyglass DS Peroral Cholangioscope Guided Laser Lithotripsy or Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy Versus Conventional Basket Mechanical Lithotripsy for Endoscopic Removal of Complicated Bile Duct Stones

Not applicable Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT03244163

This study is testing whether a new technique using a special camera and laser can remove complicated bile duct stones better and safer than the standard method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment86 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, NT)
Trial IDNCT03244163 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of Spyglass DS peroral cholangioscope-guided holmium:YAG laser/electrohydraulic lithotripsy with conventional basket mechanical lithotripsy for the removal of complicated bile duct stones. The current standard method has a success rate of about 70%, which decreases with larger stones, often necessitating additional interventions. The Spyglass DS technique allows for direct visualization and targeted laser fragmentation of stones during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study aims to determine which method is more effective and safe for patients with complicated biliary stones.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with complicated biliary stones who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those under 18, pregnant or lactating individuals, and those with certain comorbidities or anatomical issues.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and safer method for clearing complicated bile duct stones, reducing the need for additional procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the Spyglass DS technique is a newer approach, direct comparisons of its efficacy with conventional methods have not been previously conducted.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with complicated biliary stones
* Patients older than 18 years old
* Patients where informed consent can be obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who cannot give informed consent
* Patients under 18 years old
* Pregnant or lactating patients
* Patient with altered gastrointestinal/biliary anatomy
* Patients with distal CBD malignant stricture from intrinsic or extrinsic causes
* Patients with ongoing cholangitis or biliary pancreatitis
* Patient with refractory bleeding tendencies (Platelet count \<50,000/mm3 or International Normalized Ratio \>1.5 despite correction with platelet or fresh frozen plasma transfusions)
* Patients with intrahepatic segmental stones
* Patients with contraindications to endoscopy due to comorbidities

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong, NT

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.
Conditions Biliary StonesSpyglass DSLaser lithotripsyEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.