A Clinical Trial of Electro-acupuncture for Treating Gallstone Diseases (NCT03891147) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownNot Applicable
A Clinical Trial of Electro-acupuncture for Treating Gallstone Diseases
China132 participantsStarted 2016-06-01
Plain-language summary
Background: Electro-acupuncture (EA) is commonly used as an alternative treatment for gallstone disease. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of EA. If shown effective, patients could preserve their gallbladders from cholecystectomy.
Methods: Within a treatment period of 10 weeks, 132 subjects with symptomatic gallstone diseases (size \<=8mm) were randomly allocated into either treatment group (n=66), or control group (n=66). Treatment group was offered 20 EA sessions while the control group were clinically observed. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with total/partial clearance of gallstone confirmed by ultrasonography between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were the evaluation of Patients Reported Outcomes (PROs) (e.g.SF6D, GIQLI) collected throughout the treatment period.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 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 aged 18 to 70 years of age who are diagnosed of gallstone diseases with the last observable ultrasonography.
. Patients with symptoms such as recurrent biliary colic
. Wait-listed for elective cholecystectomy or being recommended to have cholecystectomy by surgeons.
. Largest gallstone size of smaller than 0.8cm.
Exclusion criteria
. Gallstones with the size that cannot be assessed precisely by ultrasound
. Any gallstone larger than 0.8cm
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
Change of gallstones (excretion of gallstones confirm by ultrasound)