Using abdominal massage to prevent recurrent bile duct stones after treatment

Effect of Abdominal Massage on Prevention of Recurrent Common Bile Duct Stones After Endoscopic Sphincterotomy: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study

This study is testing if abdominal massage can help prevent bile duct stones from coming back in patients who have already had treatment for them.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 166 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Air Force Military Medical University, China (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Xi'an, Shaanxi)
• Trial ID: NCT05892458 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of abdominal massage as a non-invasive intervention to prevent the recurrence of common bile duct stones in patients who have undergone endoscopic sphincterotomy. The approach is based on the premise that applying external pressure to the abdomen may facilitate bile excretion, thereby reducing the likelihood of stone formation. Patients aged 18 to 75 with a history of recurrent bile duct stones will be enrolled, while those with certain contraindications will be excluded. The study aims to provide a simple self-management technique for patients to potentially improve their outcomes post-treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 who have experienced recurrent common bile duct stones.

Not a fit: Patients with incomplete clearance of stones or those with contraindications to abdominal massage will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the recurrence of common bile duct stones, improving patient quality of life and reducing the need for further invasive procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of abdominal massage for this specific purpose is novel, similar non-invasive techniques have shown promise in other areas of digestive health.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75;
* Patients with common bile duct stones recurrence;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Incomplete clearance of recurrent common bile duct stones;
* Anatomical changes (such as Billroth I/II, Roux-en-Y);
* Contraindications to abdominal massage (such as abdominal surgery, active gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, acute abdomen, etc.);
* Expected lifespan of less than two years;
* Unstable hemodynamics;
* Malignant arrhythmia;
* Pregnancy or lactation;
* Unwillingness or inability to sign an informed consent form.

Where this trial is running

Xi'an, Shaanxi

• Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases — Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yanglin Pan, MD

Conditions: Common Bile Duct Stone, Abdominal Massage