Dietary therapy for gallstone expulsion

A New Strategy for Gallstone Expulsion Through Dietary Therapy: A Prospective, Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province · NCT06699030

This study is testing if a special diet can help people get rid of small gallstones without surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorHepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lanzhou, Gansu)
Trial IDNCT06699030 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of dietary therapy in expelling gallstones, specifically targeting gallbladder sludge-like stones with a diameter of less than 2 mm. Conducted as a double-blind, prospective, single-center controlled trial at a tertiary hospital, the study aims to determine if functional fatty acids can facilitate the expulsion of these stones compared to a placebo. The trial addresses a significant gap in current treatment options, as there is limited research on non-surgical methods for gallstone management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with gallbladder sludge-like stones measuring less than 2 mm in diameter.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of gallstone removal surgery, significant gastrointestinal disorders, or other serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive dietary approach to managing gallstones, potentially reducing the need for surgical interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary approaches for gallstone management are not extensively studied, this trial explores a novel method that has not been previously validated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Gallbladder sludge-like stones with a maximum stone diameter of less than 2 mm

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
* Previous gallstone removal surgery with gallbladder preservation
* History of acute or chronic pancreatitis, cholangitis
* Mirizzi Syndrome
* History of gastrointestinal surgery
* Gastrointestinal obstruction
* Dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi
* Gallbladder neck polyps
* Abnormal gallbladder structure
* Gallbladder mass
* Biliary infection or stones
* Congenital biliary abnormalities
* Biliary injury or surgery
* Biliary tumors
* Gastrointestinal bleeding, liver cirrhosis, or other malignant diseases
* Significant arrhythmia, bradycardia, or atrioventricular block
* Severe hypertension, liver or kidney insufficiency
* Immune, endocrine, hematological, or mental disorders
* Severe cerebrovascular disease
* Allergy to relevant foods
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Unwillingness or inability to consent to participation

Where this trial is running

Lanzhou, Gansu

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 Gallbladder StoneGallstoneGallbladder FunctionCholecystitisUltrasound Examination
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.