Clinical Research Directory

EUS-guided Hepatico-gastrostomy Using a Novel Lumen Apposing Metal Stent

EUS-guided biliary drainage is gaining popularity as a means of achieving endoscopic drainage in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) 1. EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) is a type of EUS-guided biliary drainage and the procedure is employed when the ERCP fails due to a malignant bile duct obstruction but the papilla is inaccessible or if the first of the duodenum is infiltrated by tumor. Recently, a novel dedicated HGS (Niti-S, Taewoong Medical, Gyeonggi-do, Korea) has become available, the stent has a novel design to that prevents the stent from migration, further improving the safety. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of the novel lumen apposing stent for EUS-guided HGS. The hypothesis is that the device is safe and effective.

Improving a Bile Duct Drainage Procedure in Patients With Inoperable Cancer Blocking the Bile Ducts: Comparing Two Types of Endoscopically Placed Internal Stents to Prevent Blockage of a Lumen Apposing Metal Stent

This study looks at the best way to treat bile duct blockage in people with advanced cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. A blocked bile duct can cause serious symptoms like yellowing of the skin (jaundice), infection, and pain. A common procedure called ERCP sometimes doesn't work in these patients. A newer method called EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) uses internal ultrasound to place a special metal tube (called a LAMS) to allow bile to drain. However, over time this stent can still become blocked. To reduce this risk, doctors can place a second stent inside the first. This study is comparing two types of these second stents: * A plastic stent (double pigtail stent or DPS) * A metal stent (fully covered self-expanding metal stent or FCSEMS) The study will include patients at Waikato Hospital. After the first stent is placed, they will be randomly assigned to receive either a DPS or FCSEMS. Patients will be followed for 6 months to see how well the stents work. The aim is to find out which approach keeps the bile duct open longer and reduces the need for further procedures or hospitalisation, helping improve care and comfort for people with advanced cancer

EUS-guided Choledochoduodenostomy vs ERCP as First Line in Malignant Distal Obstruction (CARPEDIEM Trial)

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the biliary drainage technical failure rate and/or the postprocedure acute pancreatitis rate between EUS-CDS vs ERCP procedures in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction.

EUS-Gallbladder vs CDS as First Line in MBDO- Palliative (CARPEGIEM Trial)

The aim of the study is to evaluate technical, clinical and safety outcomes of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) with a coaxial double-pigtail plastic stent (DPS) in EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomies vs cholcystogastrostomy for the management of malignant biliary obstruction in palliative patients.

A Quality of Life Study in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Biliary Drainage

The purpose of this study is to compare the participant's health-related quality of life before and after the biliary drainage procedure. The study will also help us learn whether having a drainage catheter or a stent placed during the procedure makes a difference in the participant's quality of life.

PROceeding With Advanced Techniques in Case of Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction and Difficult Biliary Cannulation comparEd With Therapeutic-EUS: the PROMETHEUS Trial

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) stands as the primary approach for addressing jaundice in individuals with distal malignant biliary obstruction. A premise element in achieving success during therapeutic ERCP is selective biliary cannulation (SBC). Nevertheless, SBC doesn't consistently yield favorable outcomes, even among expert endoscopists, failing in around 25% to 50% of cases with standard ERCP approach (sphincterotome and guidewire). In such situations, depending on the endoscopist's experience and preference, various advanced techniques come into play. These encompass the double guidewire cannulation approach, needle-knife precut papillotomy or fistulotomy, and transpancreatic sphincterotomy, serving as potential rescue methods. In recent times, the EUS-guided approach has been gaining increasing significance. Initially, it was viewed as a rescue option in cases where advanced ERCP techniques failed (5-15% of cases). More recently, it has proved its feasibility as a first line alternative to ERCP in scenarios involving malignant biliary obstruction.

EUS-guided CDS vs ERCP as First Line in Malignant Distal Obstruction in Borderline Disease (CARPEDIEM-2 Trial)

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate temporal delay (days) between biliary drainage (EUS-CDS vs ERCP as first line therapy) and chemotherapy start in patients with borderline distal malignant biliary obstruction.

EUS-guided Choledochoduodenostomy vs ERCP as First Line in Malignant Distal Obstruction in Resectable Disease (CARPEDIEM-1 Trial)

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate temporal delay (days) between biliary drainage (EUS-CDS vs ERCP as first line therapy) and surgery in patients with resectable distal malignant biliary obstruction.