Flushing internal biliary drainage catheters to reduce symptoms

Flushing of Internalized Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage Catheters

Not applicable Interventional Erasmus Medical Center · NCT04915703

This study is testing if daily flushing of biliary drainage catheters can help people with bile duct blockages avoid symptoms like pain and jaundice for longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment38 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rotterdam, Zuid Holland)
Trial IDNCT04915703 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of daily flushing of internal external percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) catheters in patients with bile duct obstruction. The goal is to prolong the time before patients experience symptoms such as pain, jaundice, and fever, which often lead to hospital visits and re-interventions. The study will involve patients who are proficient in Dutch and have given informed consent, focusing on those with planned internal external PTBD. The methodology includes monitoring symptom onset and the need for additional interventions following the flushing protocol.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with bile duct obstruction who are planned for internal external PTBD and can communicate in Dutch.

Not a fit: Patients who have obstruction caused by gallstones or those with external PTBD catheters will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the frequency of hospital visits and improve the quality of life for patients with bile duct obstruction.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific flushing protocol for internal external PTBD catheters is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patient with obstruction of the bile duct(s) planned for internal external PTBD;

* Proficient in Dutch language;
* Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years;

  * No informed consent;
  * Pregnancy;
  * Obstruction caused by gall stones;
  * External PTBD catheter (without internalization);
  * Patient has already a PTBD catheter;
  * More than 1 PTBD catheter is placed at intervention.

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, Zuid Holland

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 Bile Duct Obstructionbile ductobstruction
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.