RecruitingNot Applicable

Dutch Cholecystitis Snapshot Study

Netherlands3,000 participantsStarted 2024-04-01

Plain-language summary

Background: Cholecystitis is treated by in various types of hospitals by different specialists, and treatment strategy is influenced by logistical and medical reasons and personal preference. This may significantly impact hospital stay and other outcomes. Purpose: To determine the variation in treatment of cholecystitis in the Netherlands and its impact on outcome. Methods: Nation-wide cohort study of all patients diagnosed and treated for cholecystitis during a 6 month period. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients with an acute cholecystitis in which the guideline is followed. This group will be compared to those in which the guideline is not followed, focussing on total hospital stay and complications. Secondary aims are to determine: factors related to guideline compliance; the best method of cystic duct closure; the best treatment strategy for a \>7-day existing cholecystitis; factors predictive for concomitant common bile duct stones; strategies following gallbladder drainage. Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching will be used when appropriate for the etiological study aims. The TRIPOD guideline for prediction modelling will be used for the predictive study aims. Hospitals will receive their own results, set out against the national average and best practices, thereafter subsequent changes in hospital practice will be recorded. Conclusion: This study will determine the variation in treatment of cholecystitis in the Netherlands and its impact on clinical outcome. Its results will serve as an important incentive to create optimal, uniform cholecystitis treatment in the Netherlands.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 120 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.

All patients \>18 years with a calculous cholecystitis as primary reason for their hospital admittance. Location of diagnosis may the emergency department, the ward during admittance for diagnostics, or during diagnostic laparoscopy. Cholecystitis is defined according to the TG18 diagnostic criteria for a definitive diagnosis of cholecystitis: A. Local signs of inflammation (Murphy's sign and or RUQ mass/pain/tenderness) + B. Systemic signs of inflammation (Fever, elevated CRP and/or elevated WBC count) + C. Imaging findings characteristic of acute cholecystitis. Patients with a suspected diagnosis (one item in A + one item in B + C), of which the diagnosis is confirmed by peroperative findings, are also included. Patients will be identified by a local study investigator, e.g. a surgeon or surgeon in training.

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

Total hospital stay

Timeframe: First six months following diagnosis

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06349863

SponsorSt. Antonius Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-30

Contact for this trial

Teus Weijs

0031612093752 t.j.weijs@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cholecystitis trials