UDCA for Symptomatic Gallstone Disease (NCT00161083) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 4
UDCA for Symptomatic Gallstone Disease
Netherlands180 participantsStarted 2001-11
Plain-language summary
We conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on effects of UDCA on biliary pain and complications in highly symptomatic gallstone patients scheduled for cholecystectomy. We also evaluate potential beneficial effects of impaired gallbladder motility
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients between 18 and 75 years of age study are upon admission to the waiting list for elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis defined as:
* presence of gallbladder stones or sludge, without bile duct stones or bile duct dilatation at ultrasonography;\\
* at least one episode of severe right upper quadrant or midline epigastric pain of at least 30 min. duration, with radiation and/or movement urge, or at least three episodes of severe right upper quadrant or midline epigastric pain of at least 30 min. duration without such radiation or movement urge, in the previous 12 months
Exclusion Criteria:
* Contra-indication for general anaesthesia or surgery
* Current or previous acute cholecystitis, obstructive jaundice or pancreatitis
* Previous papillotomy, because of preferential flow of UDCA-enriched bile to the intestine rather than to the gallbladder
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Current or previous use of UDCA
* Participation in another study
* Inability to speak Dutch or English or mental disability
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
incidence severe right upper quadrant or midline epigastric pain (> 30 min)and colic-free intervals