Using ultrasound to assess gastric emptying in emergency surgery patients

Determination of Gastric Content Using Ultrasonography in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile · NCT06008509

This study is testing if using ultrasound can help doctors see how full the stomach is in emergency surgery patients to decide if they need special intubation to keep them safe during anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorPontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Academic / other
Locations1 site (Santiago de Chile, Santiago)
Trial IDNCT06008509 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate gastric emptying in adult patients undergoing emergency surgery for acute abdominal conditions, such as intestinal obstruction or cholecystitis. By utilizing ultrasound technology, the study seeks to visualize the stomach's contents and determine whether rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is necessary, potentially reducing the risks associated with anesthesia. The trial will assess the percentage of patients with a full stomach and explore correlations between various factors, such as time since diagnosis and medication use, and gastric content. This innovative approach could lead to more tailored anesthesia practices in emergency settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients diagnosed with acute abdominal conditions requiring emergency surgery.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those unable to adopt a lateral decubitus position will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance patient safety during emergency surgeries by reducing unnecessary RSI procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound for assessing gastric content is gaining traction, this specific application in emergency surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults patients
* Emergency surgery
* Diagnosis of Acute Abdomen

Exclusion Criteria:

* Younger than 18 years old
* No posibility of adopt lateral decubitus.

Where this trial is running

Santiago de Chile, Santiago

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 Gastric EmptyingAbdomen, Acute
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.