UnknownNot Applicable

Endoscopic Sphincterotomy vs. Balloon Dilation for Assessment of Pancreatitis

Germany600 participantsStarted 2015-02

Plain-language summary

One of the major elements of successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ( ERCP) is the timely and uncomplicated cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD) . Various factors may adversely affect the cannulation procedure of the CBD leading to complications (acute pancreatitis after ERCP, perforation of the duodenum , bleeding ). Endoscopic sphincterotomy is frequently required for interventional procedures (eg stone extraction). During sphincterotomy, incision of the orifice of the papilla will be performed by using a sphincterotome. Complications due to sphincterotomy are known: Bleeding, increased rates of acute pancreatitis, small bowel perforation and scarring with consecutive stenosis of the papilla. As an alternative to sphincterotomy, balloon dilatation using balloon catheters can be performed. As a result, bleeding complications and scarring as late effects might be prevented. Current data is limited in terms of the risk of acute pancreatitis after ERCP when using a balloon catheter. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of acute pancreatitis and other complications after ERCP. Balloon dilatation of the papilla will be prospectively compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy in a randomized multicenter setting.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * independent indication for ERCP * age ≥ 18 years * patient is able to understand informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * S/p sphincterotomy * pancreatic or CBD-stent in situ * pregnant patient * known chronic pancreatitis * acute pancreatitis prior to intervention

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

acute pancreatitis

Timeframe: one to 10 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02346448

SponsorHelios Albert-Schweitzer-Klinik Northeim

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-12

Contact for this trial

Tobias Meister, PDDr.med.

+495551971244 tobias.meister@helios-kliniken.de

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pancreatitis trials