Flushing of Internalized Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage Catheters
Netherlands38 participantsStarted 2022-06-01
Plain-language summary
Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a drainage method for biliary obstruction. Patients with a PTBD catheter often need multiple re-interventions because of symptoms of catheter obstruction such as pain, jaundice, pruritus, leakage and/or fever. The onset of these symptoms results in hospital visits, opening of the external catheter of an internal external PTBD and re-interventions.
The investigators hypothesize that daily flushing of an internal external biliary catheter will increase the time-to-symptom-onset.
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:
Patient with obstruction of the bile duct(s) planned for internal external PTBD;
* Proficient in Dutch language;
* Written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age \< 18 years;
* No informed consent;
* Pregnancy;
* Obstruction caused by gall stones;
* External PTBD catheter (without internalization);
* Patient has already a PTBD catheter;
* More than 1 PTBD catheter is placed at 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
1
time-to-symptom-onset in patients with an internal external PTBD catheter without daily flushing compared to patients with an internal external PTBD catheter who daily flush the catheter