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

January 4, 2026 updated by: Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India

Prospective Comparison of the Carbon Footprint of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) vs Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for Evaluation of Suspected Choledocholithiasis

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.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Detailed 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.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

200

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

    • Telangana
      • Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 500032
        • Recruiting
        • AIG Hospitals
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Hardik Rughwani, MD, DM

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult patients (>18 years - 80years) with suspected choledocholithiasis and classified as intermediate risk per ESGE guidelines, undergoing either EUS or MRCP.

Description

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

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
EUS
Patients scheduled for Endoscopic Ultrasound
MRCP
Patients scheduled for Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Total kg CO₂e per procedure for EUS vs MRCP.
Time Frame: 12 months
Total kg CO₂e per procedure for EUS vs MRCP.
12 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Emissions
Time Frame: 12 months
Emissions per accurate diagnosis Emissions broken down by source (electricity, consumables, travel) Recommendations for sustainable diagnostic practices
12 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

  • • McAlister S et al. Radiology. 2021. Imaging footprint
  • • Lenzen M et al. Lancet Planet Health. 2020. Health care emissions
  • • Rughwani H et al. Gut. 2025. Carbon footprint of GIE
  • • Jagtap N et al. Gut. 2022. EUS versus MRCP RCT

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

December 1, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

November 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

November 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

December 2, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

December 2, 2025

First Posted (Estimated)

December 15, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

January 6, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 4, 2026

Last Verified

October 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Choledocholithiasis

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