Prospective Comparison of the Carbon Footprint of EUS vs MRCP for Evaluation of Suspected Choledocholithiasis

Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Choledocholithiasis

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07283185

EUS vs MRCP-CBD1

Details and patient eligibility

About

MRCP and EUS are diagnostically equivalent in detecting CBD stones among patients with intermediate risk, as shown in a landmark RCT. However, MRI-based imaging is power-intensive, requiring large infrastructure and long scan durations. EUS, a less energy-consuming and portable procedure, has the added advantage of enabling same-session ERCP, reducing the need for repeat procedures.

Full description

MRCP and EUS are diagnostically equivalent in detecting CBD stones among patients with intermediate risk, as shown in a landmark RCT. However, MRI-based imaging is power-intensive, requiring large infrastructure and long scan durations. EUS, a less energy-consuming and portable procedure, has the added advantage of enabling same-session ERCP, reducing the need for repeat procedures. Prior research confirms that diagnostic EUS generates significantly less CO₂e per procedure compared to radiologic imaging. This study aims to support sustainable diagnostic choices by quantifying their environmental footprint.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥18 years
• Intermediate likelihood of CBD stone (per ESGE)
• Undergoing either MRCP or EUS for evaluation

Exclusion criteria

• High or low likelihood category (per ESGE)
• Undergoing both MRCP and EUS simultaneously
• Contraindications to either modality

Trial design

200 participants in 2 patient groups

EUS

Description:

Patients scheduled for Endoscopic Ultrasound

MRCP

Description:

Patients scheduled for Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography