Influence of Gut Microbiome in Gallstone Disease

Launched by EAST KENT HOSPITALS UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · Feb 16, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how the gut microbiome, which is the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms in our intestines, might influence gallstone disease. Gallstone disease can lead to serious complications like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). The researchers want to find out if changes in the gut microbiome are linked to these complications and how the microbiome changes after patients have their gallbladder removed (a surgery called cholecystectomy).

Anyone over 18 years old who has been diagnosed with gallstone disease at an East Kent University Foundation Trust Hospital can participate, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or pregnancy status. Participants will need to provide stool samples at different times, including before and after their gallbladder surgery and during follow-up visits over the next three years. This study is currently recruiting participants, so if you or someone you know is interested, it could be a valuable opportunity to contribute to understanding gallstone disease and its complications better.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All adults (age \>18 years of age) patients diagnosed with gallstone disease following confirmatory imaging at an East Kent University Foundation Trust Hospital. Patients of any gender, ethnicity or socio-economic background are eligible as well as pregnant women. Patients undergoing both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be included.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients less than 18 years of age and patients who do not have capacity to consent to involvement in the study.