Optimizing treatment for adhesive small bowel obstruction

The Use of Nasogastric Tubes And Water-Soluble Contrast In The Management Of Small Bowel Obstruction: A Feasibility Study

Phase 3 Interventional University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06182319

This study is testing whether using nasogastric tubes or water-soluble contrast can improve treatment for adults with adhesive small bowel obstruction and help them feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06182319 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to improve the treatment protocols for adhesive small bowel obstruction (aSBO), a common gastrointestinal issue. It will assess the feasibility of randomizing patients to receive either nasogastric tubes (NGTs) or water-soluble contrast (WSC) as part of their treatment. The study will also focus on measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as a primary outcome, addressing critical gaps in understanding who benefits from NGT placement and how to manage feeding reintroduction. The trial will involve patients aged 18 and older who exhibit clinical features of aSBO.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with documented adhesive small bowel obstruction.

Not a fit: Patients with nonadhesive small bowel obstruction or those with certain serious medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and tailored treatment options for patients suffering from adhesive small bowel obstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored treatment protocols for bowel obstructions, but this specific approach to optimizing aSBO treatment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female ≥18 years of age.
2. Documentation of aSBO as evidenced by one or more clinical features meeting the following criteria: Nausea, emesis, abdominal pain, distended abdomen CT evidence of aSBO

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study.
2. Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.
3. Unstable angina or recent myocardial infarction (MI)/stroke within 6 months
4. Nonadhesive SBO

   1. Paralytic Ileus
   2. Incarcerated hernia
   3. Fecal impaction
   4. Intra-abdominal malignancy Early aSBO within 4 weeks of a prior abdominal operation

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 Adhesive Small Bowel Obstructionnasogastric tubewater-soluble contrastAdhesion-related SBOSmall bowel obstruction
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.