Comparing two methods for treating acute gallbladder inflammation with potential bile duct stones

INtraoperative Approach With Eventual Clearance of Common bilE Duct by SpyGlass Discover vs Sequential Strategy in Patients With Acute Calculus Cholecystitis and Intermediate/High Risk of Common BiLE Duct Stone

NA · Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia · NCT06918626

This study tests two different ways to treat acute gallbladder inflammation in patients who might have bile duct stones to see which method works better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia (other)
Locations1 site (Pavia, Pavia)
Trial IDNCT06918626 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates two treatment strategies for patients with Acute Calculous Cholecystitis (ACC) who are at intermediate to high risk for common bile duct stones. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving ERCP followed by Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (ELC) in two stages, or a study group receiving ELC combined with Spyglass cholangiography. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of these approaches in managing the condition and preventing complications. Follow-up assessments will occur at 30 days and 6 months post-intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with a diagnosis of ACC and an Israelian Score of 2 or 3, who have experienced symptoms for 7 days or less.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as pregnancy, cholangitis, pancreatitis, or those with altered gastrointestinal anatomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced complications for patients with acute gallbladder inflammation and bile duct stones.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with bile duct stones.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* have a diagnosis of ACC as defined by 2018 Tokyo Guidelines criteria
* have an Israelian Score (IS) for the risk of main bile duct stones of 2 or 3
* be \>18 years old
* onset of symptoms ≤7 days before Emergency Department (ED) admission
* provide signed and dated informed consent form
* be willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Patients unwilling to undergo follow-up assessments
* Patients diagnosed with concomitant cholangitis or pancreatitis
* Acute cholecystitis not related to a gallstone etiology
* Onset of symptoms \>7 days before ED admission
* Altered anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract due to surgery of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum
* Biliary peritonitis

Where this trial is running

Pavia, Pavia

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: Acute Calculous Cholecystitiis

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.