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Using Point of Care Ultrasound to Diagnose Small Bowel Obstruction in Emergency Departments

Contribution of Point of Care Ultrasound by the Emergency Physician to Rule Out the Small Bowel Obstruction: a Diagnostic, Multicenter Study

Observational Nantes University Hospital · NCT06803628

This study tests whether using ultrasound in the emergency department can help doctors quickly and safely diagnose small bowel obstruction instead of relying on CT scans.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment667 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNantes University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations18 sites (Clermont-Ferrand, France and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06803628 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in diagnosing Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO) in emergency department patients. Currently, diagnosis relies heavily on abdominal CT scans, which have drawbacks such as radiation exposure and increased costs. The study will assess the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS and its ability to rule out SBO, potentially improving patient management and reducing unnecessary CT scans. Additionally, it will explore the use of Gestalt probability assessments by physicians to evaluate the likelihood of SBO based on clinical presentation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old presenting to the emergency department with suspected SBO and low to moderate pretest clinical probability.

Not a fit: Patients who are under legal guardianship, pregnant, nursing, or have already had imaging confirming SBO will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce reliance on CT scans, minimizing radiation exposure and healthcare costs for patients with suspected SBO.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for POCUS in diagnosing SBO, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Major patient (age \> 18 years old), no upper limit
2. Patient admitted to the ED with suspected SBO (abdominal pain, vomiting, cessation of gas and feces...)
3. Low or moderate pretest Gestalt clinical probability
4. Patient able to understand protocol and express agreement
5. Oral non-opposition given

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient under legal guardianship
2. Pregnant women
3. Nursing mothers
4. Patient who does not speak or understand French
5. Patient without a health insurance plan
6. Patient who already had imaging confirming the diagnosis
7. Patient who participates simultaneously in any interventional study focused on abdominal pain before POCUS and CT realization

Where this trial is running

Clermont-Ferrand, France and 17 other locations

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 → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Small Bowel ObstructionSmall bowel obstructionPoint of care ultrasoundEmergency Medicine
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.