Post ERCP PancreatitisPhase 3NCT03713879
Comparative Effectiveness Between Indomethacin and Pancreatic Stenting in the Prevention of Post ERCP Pancreatitis
A Phase 3 study testing pancreatic stenting and Indomethacin in people with Post ERCP Pancreatitis, run by Chinese University of Hong Kong at 7 sites in 3 countries.
Trial summary
Post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) occurs in 4 to 5% of patients and is associated with significant morbidities and occasional mortalities. The use of rectall administered indomethacin and pancreatic duct stent (PDS) placement have independently been proven to reduce PEP. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 99 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Post ERCP Pancreatitis
- What is being tested?
- pancreatic stenting and Indomethacin
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 1,734 participants
- Where
- 7 sitesin 3 countries
- Study dates
- 21 Mar 2019to 31 Dec 2028
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 99 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- presence of one of the following risk factors for Post ERCP Pancreatitis
- sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
- history of PEP, pancreatic instrumentation or sphincterotomy, precut sphincterotomy,
- difficult cannulation defined by >5 cannulation attempts
- the use of double wire technique in bile duct access
- at least 2 of the followings including i) female age<50 ii) 3 pancreatograms iii) acinarization (contrast injection to tail fo pancreas). iv） normal bilirubin； v）guidewire to the tail of pancreas or secondary branches.
Who cannot join
- patients intended for pancreatic stenting e.g. those with pancreatic duct strictures, ampullectomy,
- without informed consents from patient or next of kin
- age <18
- pregnant or lactating women
- patients with altered anatomy except except Billroth I and II gastrectomy
- contraindications to the use of NSAIDs such as those with active gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure (serum creatinine > 140)
- known NSAID allergy
- incipient heart failure.
Trial locations and contacts
7 sites in 3 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
7 sites in 3 countries
China5 sites, 5 recruiting
- Recruiting
Endoscopy centre
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310013
Yun Sheng Qing, MD, 175260446@qq.com
Yun sheng Qing, MD
- Recruiting
Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital,Endoscopy centre
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200000
Bing HU, MD, drhubing@aliyun.com
Bing Hu, MD
- Not yet recruiting
Endoscopy centre
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200000
Yu Bai, MD, baiyu1998@hotmail.com
YU Bai, MD
- Recruiting
Endoscopy centre
Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, 300000
Wen Li, MD, drliwen@126.com
Wen Li, MD
- Recruiting
Endoscopy centre
Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000
Yang Lin Pan, MD, panyl@fmmu.edu.cn
Pang Yang Lin, MD
Hong Kong1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Endoscopy Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
James Y LAU, Prof, +85235051411, laujyw@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk
Thailand1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
2. Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital
Bangkok
Supakarn Chaithongrat, MD, pangicu@hotmail.com
Parit Mekaroonkamol, MD, parit_m@hotmail.com
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness Between Rectally Administered Indomethacin and Pancreatic Stenting in the Prevention of Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-panceaticography (ERCP) Pancreatitis: a Randomized Trial
Post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) occurs in 4 to 5% of patients and is associated with significant morbidities and occasional mortalities. The use of rectall administered indomethacin and pancreatic duct stent (PDS) placement have independently been proven to reduce PEP. The comparative effectiveness of the two methods has however not been studied. It is argued that in the context of indomethacin, the placement of a PDS is unnecessary. Advocates for PDS insertion however believe that mechanical decompression of the pancreatic duct is critical in the prevention of pancreatitis. The investigators propose a multi-centre randomised controlled trial to compare the use of rectal indomethacin to PDS insertion in high risk patients in the prevention of PEP.
Read the detailed description
Background of research
Pancreatitis is the most common complication after Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It occurs in approximately 5% of patients. The risk can approach 20 to 30% in those with known pre- and intra-procedural risk factors. Three in 100 patients with post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) consequently die. The placement of pancreatic duct stent and the use of rectal administered indomethacin have both been independently shown to reduce PEP. The placement of a pancreatic duct stent has been for a long time considered the gold standard in the prophylaxis against PEP. In a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs that compared the use of pancreatic duct stents to no treatment, pancreatic duct stenting in high risk patients reduces incidence of PEP by approximately 5 fold. In a landmark study by Elmunzer et al., rectal administered indomethacin was shown to reduce PEP (52 of 307 patients,16.9% to 27 of 295 patients, 9.2%, P=0.005). In the trial, >80% received pancreatic duct stents in addition to rectal indomethacin. Overall there have been 7 RCTs on the use of rectal indomethacin all showing benefits with its use, 3 with PDS and 4 without. In the literature, there has been no direct comparison between the use of rectal indomethacin alone and insertion of PDS. In a secondary analysis of the trial by Elmunzer et al., PEP following the use of rectal indomethacin alone was less compared with the placement of PDS. In a meta-analysis by Akbar et al. pooling 29 studies (22 PDS and 7 indomethacin), the use of rectal indomethacin alone was associated with fewer PEP when compared to insertion of PDS on an indirect comparison using network metaanalysis (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.26-0.87). The more favorable results with rectal indomethacin alone raised the question if PDS insertion is necessary. Furthermore, in another secondary analysis, patients after failed PDS insertion had a 34.7% rate of pancreatitis. In contrary, the rate of pancreatitis was 16.4% in those after successful PDS and 12.1% after no attempt at PDS insertion. The SVI (stent versus indomethacin) trial (NCT024762279) by the US cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy (USCORE) group is an ongoing non-inferiority trial that compares indomethacin alone to the combination of indomethacin and PDS in 1430 high risk patients with the primary outcome of pancreatitis. The trial tests the hypothesis that PDS is no longer necessary in the context of rectal indomethacin.
The rationale for the trial has been based on the secondary analysis of the Elmunzer trial and the network analysis aforementioned.
The investigators argue that the relative merits of rectal indomethacin and PDS placement have not been established. There may have been substantial difference in the baseline risks between the trials using either rectal indomethacin and PDS placement alone. The small number of RCTs over the use of rectal indomethacin may have overestimated its beneficial effect especially among patients at lower risk of PEP. A direct comparison in the form of a RCT to compare effectiveness of both treatment modalities is required. The insertion of PDS may continue to be important in patients contraindicated for the use of NSAIDs.
Research plan and methodology The investigators hypothesize that rectal administration of indomethacin is not inferior to placement of a pancreatic duct stent in the prevention of pancreatitis after ERCP in high risk patients. In patients randomised to receive pancreatic duct stents, the investigators sought to determine the success rate with PDS insertion and outcomes following successful or unsuccessful PDS insertion. In addition, the investigators analyse possible factors to PEP in both cohorts of patients on either indomethacin or PDS.
- Conditions
- Post ERCP Pancreatitis
- Being tested
- pancreatic stenting, Indomethacin
- Keywords
- post ERCP panceatitis, rectal indomethacin, pancreatic stents
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
pancreatic stentingDevice
a PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire)
IndomethacinDrug
Also called indocid
rectally administered indomethacin before or after ERCP
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| indomethacin | Experimental | rectal indomethacin 100 mg to be administered before or after ERCP Receives: Drug: Indomethacin |
| pancreatic stenting | Experimental | a PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire) Receives: Device: pancreatic stenting |
| indomethacin plus pancreatic stenting | Experimental | [rectal indomethacin 100 mg to be administered before or after ERCP] plus [a PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire] Receives: Device: pancreatic stenting; Drug: Indomethacin |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
post-ERCP pancreatitis
Percentage of Participants with post ERCP pancreatitis
Measured: 30 days
high severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis
Percentage of Participants with high severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis using the Clavian-Dindo classification
(1 / 2 / 3 / 3a / 3b / 4 / 4a/ 4b / 5)
Measured: 30 days
pancreatitis with complications
Percentage of Participants with pancreatitis with complications using Atlanta classification (Mild / Moderate / Severe / Critical )
Measured: 30 days
Secondary outcomes (4)
hospital stay
period of hospitalisation (days)
Measured: 30 days
endoscopic intervention due to PEP
Percentage of Participants with endoscopic intervention due to Post ERCP pancreatitis
Measured: 30 days
radiologic intervention due to PEP
Percentage of Participants with radiologic intervention due to Post ERCP pancreatitis
Measured: 30 days
surgery due to PEP
Percentage of Participants with Surgical intervention due to Post ERCP pancreatitis
Measured: 30 days
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Oct 2018
- Study start21 Mar 2019
- Primary completion31 May 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (14)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Post ERCP PancreatitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Chinese University of Hong KongThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 1. rectal indomethacin 100 mg to be administered before or after ERCP 2. a PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire) or 3. a PD stent plus rectal indomethacin 100 mg before or after ERCP In patients randomized to receive PD stenting, the number of attemtps is limited to 5.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 1,734 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Xijing Hospital, Changhai Hospital, Tianjin Union Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, James Yun-wong Lau, MD, Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Investigators
- James LAU, MD, Principal investigator, Chinese University of Hong Kong
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03713879
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- StentvsNSAID
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Aug 2018
- Last updated
- 21 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Andriulli A, Loperfido S, Napolitano G, Niro G, Valvano MR, Spirito F, Pilotto A, Forlano R. Incidence rates of post-ERCP complications: a systematic survey of prospective studies. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Aug;102(8):1781-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01279.x. Epub 2007 May 17.
PubMed 17509029Choudhary A, Bechtold ML, Arif M, Szary NM, Puli SR, Othman MO, Pais WP, Antillon MR, Roy PK. Pancreatic stents for prophylaxis against post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Gastrointest Endosc. 2011 Feb;73(2):275-82. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2010.10.039.
PubMed 21295641Elmunzer BJ, Scheiman JM, Lehman GA, Chak A, Mosler P, Higgins PD, Hayward RA, Romagnuolo J, Elta GH, Sherman S, Waljee AK, Repaka A, Atkinson MR, Cote GA, Kwon RS, McHenry L, Piraka CR, Wamsteker EJ, Watkins JL, Korsnes SJ, Schmidt SE, Turner SM, Nicholson S, Fogel EL; U.S. Cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy (USCORE). A randomized trial of rectal indomethacin to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. N Engl J Med. 2012 Apr 12;366(15):1414-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1111103.
PubMed 22494121Murray B, Carter R, Imrie C, Evans S, O'Suilleabhain C. Diclofenac reduces the incidence of acute pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Gastroenterology. 2003 Jun;124(7):1786-91. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5085(03)00384-6.
PubMed 12806612Khoshbaten M, Khorram H, Madad L, Ehsani Ardakani MJ, Farzin H, Zali MR. Role of diclofenac in reducing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Jul;23(7 Pt 2):e11-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.05096.x. Epub 2007 Aug 7.
PubMed 17683501Montano Loza A, Rodriguez Lomeli X, Garcia Correa JE, Davalos Cobian C, Cervantes Guevara G, Medrano Munoz F, Fuentes Orozco C, Gonzalez Ojeda A. [Effect of the administration of rectal indomethacin on amylase serum levels after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and its impact on the development of secondary pancreatitis episodes]. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2007 Jun;99(6):330-6. doi: 10.4321/s1130-01082007000600005. Spanish.
PubMed 17883296Otsuka T, Kawazoe S, Nakashita S, Kamachi S, Oeda S, Sumida C, Akiyama T, Ario K, Fujimoto M, Tabuchi M, Noda T. Low-dose rectal diclofenac for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a randomized controlled trial. J Gastroenterol. 2012 Aug;47(8):912-7. doi: 10.1007/s00535-012-0554-7. Epub 2012 Feb 18.
PubMed 22350703Katsinelos P, Fasoulas K, Paroutoglou G, Chatzimavroudis G, Beltsis A, Terzoudis S, Katsinelos T, Dimou E, Zavos C, Kaltsa A, Kountouras J. Combination of diclofenac plus somatostatin in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Endoscopy. 2012 Jan;44(1):53-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1291440. Epub 2011 Dec 23.
PubMed 22198776Sotoudehmanesh R, Khatibian M, Kolahdoozan S, Ainechi S, Malboosbaf R, Nouraie M. Indomethacin may reduce the incidence and severity of acute pancreatitis after ERCP. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 May;102(5):978-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01165.x. Epub 2007 Mar 13.
PubMed 17355281Elmunzer BJ, Higgins PD, Saini SD, Scheiman JM, Parker RA, Chak A, Romagnuolo J, Mosler P, Hayward RA, Elta GH, Korsnes SJ, Schmidt SE, Sherman S, Lehman GA, Fogel EL; United States Cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy. Does rectal indomethacin eliminate the need for prophylactic pancreatic stent placement in patients undergoing high-risk ERCP? Post hoc efficacy and cost-benefit analyses using prospective clinical trial data. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013 Mar;108(3):410-5. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2012.442. Epub 2013 Jan 8.
PubMed 23295278Akbar A, Abu Dayyeh BK, Baron TH, Wang Z, Altayar O, Murad MH. Rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are superior to pancreatic duct stents in preventing pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a network meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jul;11(7):778-83. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2012.12.043. Epub 2013 Jan 30.
PubMed 23376320Choksi NS, Fogel EL, Cote GA, Romagnuolo J, Elta GH, Scheiman JM, Chak A, Mosler P, Higgins PD, Korsnes SJ, Schmidt SE, Sherman S, Lehman GA, Elmunzer BJ; United States Cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy. The risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and the protective effect of rectal indomethacin in cases of attempted but unsuccessful prophylactic pancreatic stent placement. Gastrointest Endosc. 2015 Jan;81(1):150-5. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2014.07.033.
PubMed 25527053Cotton PB, Lehman G, Vennes J, Geenen JE, Russell RC, Meyers WC, Liguory C, Nickl N. Endoscopic sphincterotomy complications and their management: an attempt at consensus. Gastrointest Endosc. 1991 May-Jun;37(3):383-93. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5107(91)70740-2.
PubMed 2070995Clavien PA, Barkun J, de Oliveira ML, Vauthey JN, Dindo D, Schulick RD, de Santibanes E, Pekolj J, Slankamenac K, Bassi C, Graf R, Vonlanthen R, Padbury R, Cameron JL, Makuuchi M. The Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications: five-year experience. Ann Surg. 2009 Aug;250(2):187-96. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e3181b13ca2.
PubMed 19638912
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effectiveness Between Rectally Administered Indomethacin and Pancreatic Stenting in the Prevention of Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-panceaticography (ERCP) Pancreatitis: a Randomized Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03713879
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- StentvsNSAID
- Conditions
- Post ERCP Pancreatitis
- Keywords
- post ERCP panceatitis, rectal indomethacin, pancreatic stents
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 1,734 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Chinese University of Hong KongUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Xijing Hospital, Changhai Hospital, Tianjin Union Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital
- Study start
- 21 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 May 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Oct 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) occurs in 4 to 5% of patients and is associated with significant morbidities and occasional mortalities. The use of rectall administered indomethacin and pancreatic duct stent (PDS) placement have independently been proven to reduce PEP. The comparative effectiveness of the two methods has however not been studied. It is argued that in the context of indomethacin, the placement of a PDS is unnecessary. Advocates for PDS insertion however believe that mechanical decompression of the pancreatic duct is critical in the prevention of pancreatitis. The investigators propose a multi-centre randomised controlled trial to compare the use of rectal indomethacin to PDS insertion in high risk patients in the prevention of PEP.
Detailed description
Background of research
Pancreatitis is the most common complication after Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It occurs in approximately 5% of patients. The risk can approach 20 to 30% in those with known pre- and intra-procedural risk factors. Three in 100 patients with post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) consequently die. The placement of pancreatic duct stent and the use of rectal administered indomethacin have both been independently shown to reduce PEP. The placement of a pancreatic duct stent has been for a long time considered the gold standard in the prophylaxis against PEP. In a meta-analysis of 8 RCTs that compared the use of pancreatic duct stents to no treatment, pancreatic duct stenting in high risk patients reduces incidence of PEP by approximately 5 fold. In a landmark study by Elmunzer et al., rectal administered indomethacin was shown to reduce PEP (52 of 307 patients,16.9% to 27 of 295 patients, 9.2%, P=0.005). In the trial, >80% received pancreatic duct stents in addition to rectal indomethacin. Overall there have been 7 RCTs on the use of rectal indomethacin all showing benefits with its use, 3 with PDS and 4 without. In the literature, there has been no direct comparison between the use of rectal indomethacin alone and insertion of PDS. In a secondary analysis of the trial by Elmunzer et al., PEP following the use of rectal indomethacin alone was less compared with the placement of PDS. In a meta-analysis by Akbar et al. pooling 29 studies (22 PDS and 7 indomethacin), the use of rectal indomethacin alone was associated with fewer PEP when compared to insertion of PDS on an indirect comparison using network metaanalysis (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.26-0.87). The more favorable results with rectal indomethacin alone raised the question if PDS insertion is necessary. Furthermore, in another secondary analysis, patients after failed PDS insertion had a 34.7% rate of pancreatitis. In contrary, the rate of pancreatitis was 16.4% in those after successful PDS and 12.1% after no attempt at PDS insertion. The SVI (stent versus indomethacin) trial (NCT024762279) by the US cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy (USCORE) group is an ongoing non-inferiority trial that compares indomethacin alone to the combination of indomethacin and PDS in 1430 high risk patients with the primary outcome of pancreatitis. The trial tests the hypothesis that PDS is no longer necessary in the context of rectal indomethacin.
The rationale for the trial has been based on the secondary analysis of the Elmunzer trial and the network analysis aforementioned.
The investigators argue that the relative merits of rectal indomethacin and PDS placement have not been established. There may have been substantial difference in the baseline risks between the trials using either rectal indomethacin and PDS placement alone. The small number of RCTs over the use of rectal indomethacin may have overestimated its beneficial effect especially among patients at lower risk of PEP. A direct comparison in the form of a RCT to compare effectiveness of both treatment modalities is required. The insertion of PDS may continue to be important in patients contraindicated for the use of NSAIDs.
Research plan and methodology The investigators hypothesize that rectal administration of indomethacin is not inferior to placement of a pancreatic duct stent in the prevention of pancreatitis after ERCP in high risk patients. In patients randomised to receive pancreatic duct stents, the investigators sought to determine the success rate with PDS insertion and outcomes following successful or unsuccessful PDS insertion. In addition, the investigators analyse possible factors to PEP in both cohorts of patients on either indomethacin or PDS.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- 1. rectal indomethacin 100 mg to be administered before or after ERCP 2. a PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire) or 3. a PD stent plus rectal indomethacin 100 mg before or after ERCP In patients randomized to receive PD stenting, the number of attemtps is limited to 5.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| indomethacin | Experimental | Drug: Indomethacinrectal indomethacin 100 mg to be administered before or after ERCP |
| pancreatic stenting | Experimental | Device: pancreatic stentinga PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire) |
| indomethacin plus pancreatic stenting | Experimental | Device: pancreatic stenting, Drug: Indomethacin[rectal indomethacin 100 mg to be administered before or after ERCP] plus [a PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire] |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 99 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- presence of one of the following risk factors for Post ERCP Pancreatitis
- sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
- history of PEP, pancreatic instrumentation or sphincterotomy, precut sphincterotomy,
- difficult cannulation defined by >5 cannulation attempts
- the use of double wire technique in bile duct access
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- patients intended for pancreatic stenting e.g. those with pancreatic duct strictures, ampullectomy,
- without informed consents from patient or next of kin
- age <18
- pregnant or lactating women
- patients with altered anatomy except except Billroth I and II gastrectomy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| pancreatic stentinga PD stent to be inserted during ERCP (a 3 to 5 cm 5Fr single pigtail pancreatic duct stent without inner flap is used, the stent is inserted after deep cannulation of pancreatic duct with a .025" or .035" wire) | Device | indomethacin plus pancreatic stenting, pancreatic stenting |
| IndomethacinAlso: indocidrectally administered indomethacin before or after ERCP | Drug | indomethacin, indomethacin plus pancreatic stenting |
Primary outcome
post-ERCP pancreatitis
Time frame: 30 days
Percentage of Participants with post ERCP pancreatitis
high severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis
Time frame: 30 days
Percentage of Participants with high severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis using the Clavian-Dindo classification (1 / 2 / 3 / 3a / 3b / 4 / 4a/ 4b / 5)
pancreatitis with complications
Time frame: 30 days
Percentage of Participants with pancreatitis with complications using Atlanta classification (Mild / Moderate / Severe / Critical )
4 secondary outcomes
hospital stay
Time frame: 30 days
endoscopic intervention due to PEP
Time frame: 30 days
radiologic intervention due to PEP
Time frame: 30 days
surgery due to PEP
Time frame: 30 days
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 17509029Andriulli A, Loperfido S, Napolitano G, Niro G, Valvano MR, Spirito F, Pilotto A, Forlano R. Incidence rates of post-ERCP complications: a systematic survey of prospective studies. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 Aug;102(8):1781-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01279.x. Epub 2007 May 17.
- Background: PubMed 21295641Choudhary A, Bechtold ML, Arif M, Szary NM, Puli SR, Othman MO, Pais WP, Antillon MR, Roy PK. Pancreatic stents for prophylaxis against post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Gastrointest Endosc. 2011 Feb;73(2):275-82. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2010.10.039.
- Background: PubMed 22494121Elmunzer BJ, Scheiman JM, Lehman GA, Chak A, Mosler P, Higgins PD, Hayward RA, Romagnuolo J, Elta GH, Sherman S, Waljee AK, Repaka A, Atkinson MR, Cote GA, Kwon RS, McHenry L, Piraka CR, Wamsteker EJ, Watkins JL, Korsnes SJ, Schmidt SE, Turner SM, Nicholson S, Fogel EL; U.S. Cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy (USCORE). A randomized trial of rectal indomethacin to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. N Engl J Med. 2012 Apr 12;366(15):1414-22. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1111103.
- Background: PubMed 12806612Murray B, Carter R, Imrie C, Evans S, O'Suilleabhain C. Diclofenac reduces the incidence of acute pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Gastroenterology. 2003 Jun;124(7):1786-91. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5085(03)00384-6.
- Background: PubMed 17683501Khoshbaten M, Khorram H, Madad L, Ehsani Ardakani MJ, Farzin H, Zali MR. Role of diclofenac in reducing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Jul;23(7 Pt 2):e11-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.05096.x. Epub 2007 Aug 7.
- Background: PubMed 17883296Montano Loza A, Rodriguez Lomeli X, Garcia Correa JE, Davalos Cobian C, Cervantes Guevara G, Medrano Munoz F, Fuentes Orozco C, Gonzalez Ojeda A. [Effect of the administration of rectal indomethacin on amylase serum levels after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and its impact on the development of secondary pancreatitis episodes]. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2007 Jun;99(6):330-6. doi: 10.4321/s1130-01082007000600005. Spanish.
- Background: PubMed 22350703Otsuka T, Kawazoe S, Nakashita S, Kamachi S, Oeda S, Sumida C, Akiyama T, Ario K, Fujimoto M, Tabuchi M, Noda T. Low-dose rectal diclofenac for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a randomized controlled trial. J Gastroenterol. 2012 Aug;47(8):912-7. doi: 10.1007/s00535-012-0554-7. Epub 2012 Feb 18.
- Background: PubMed 22198776Katsinelos P, Fasoulas K, Paroutoglou G, Chatzimavroudis G, Beltsis A, Terzoudis S, Katsinelos T, Dimou E, Zavos C, Kaltsa A, Kountouras J. Combination of diclofenac plus somatostatin in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Endoscopy. 2012 Jan;44(1):53-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1291440. Epub 2011 Dec 23.
- Background: PubMed 17355281Sotoudehmanesh R, Khatibian M, Kolahdoozan S, Ainechi S, Malboosbaf R, Nouraie M. Indomethacin may reduce the incidence and severity of acute pancreatitis after ERCP. Am J Gastroenterol. 2007 May;102(5):978-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01165.x. Epub 2007 Mar 13.
- Background: PubMed 23295278Elmunzer BJ, Higgins PD, Saini SD, Scheiman JM, Parker RA, Chak A, Romagnuolo J, Mosler P, Hayward RA, Elta GH, Korsnes SJ, Schmidt SE, Sherman S, Lehman GA, Fogel EL; United States Cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy. Does rectal indomethacin eliminate the need for prophylactic pancreatic stent placement in patients undergoing high-risk ERCP? Post hoc efficacy and cost-benefit analyses using prospective clinical trial data. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013 Mar;108(3):410-5. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2012.442. Epub 2013 Jan 8.
- Background: PubMed 23376320Akbar A, Abu Dayyeh BK, Baron TH, Wang Z, Altayar O, Murad MH. Rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are superior to pancreatic duct stents in preventing pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a network meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jul;11(7):778-83. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2012.12.043. Epub 2013 Jan 30.
- Background: PubMed 25527053Choksi NS, Fogel EL, Cote GA, Romagnuolo J, Elta GH, Scheiman JM, Chak A, Mosler P, Higgins PD, Korsnes SJ, Schmidt SE, Sherman S, Lehman GA, Elmunzer BJ; United States Cooperative for Outcomes Research in Endoscopy. The risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and the protective effect of rectal indomethacin in cases of attempted but unsuccessful prophylactic pancreatic stent placement. Gastrointest Endosc. 2015 Jan;81(1):150-5. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2014.07.033.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
James LAU, MD principal investigator
Chinese University of Hong Kong
7 sites in 3 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing pancreatic stenting and Indomethacin in people with Post ERCP Pancreatitis, run by Chinese University of Hong Kong at 7 sites in 3 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 7 sites in China, Hong Kong, Thailand. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact James LAU, MD (35051411, laujyw@surgery.cuhk.edu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
post-ERCP pancreatitis (time frame: 30 days). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03713879, which also lists 14 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Oct 2026.