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Endoscopic Myotomy of the Pylorus To Improve Emptying and Symptoms Trial

A Randomized, Sham-controlled Trial: Endoscopic Myotomy of the Pylorus To Improve Emptying and Symptoms (EMPTIES)

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05039424
Acronym
EMPTIES
Enrollment
100
Registered
2021-09-09
Start date
2022-02-23
Completion date
2027-03-01
Last updated
2026-07-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Gastroparesis

Brief summary

A randomized clinical trial comparing endoscopic per-oral pyloromyotomy (POP) versus a control sham intervention (diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) without pyloric disruption) in patients with medically refractory gastroparesis.

Detailed description

A comparative effectiveness, single center (with two surgical units), randomized (1:1) study of endoscopic per-oral pyloromyotomy (POP) versus a control sham intervention (diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) without pyloric disruption) in adult patients with medically refractory gastroparesis who have failed management with dietary, lifestyle, and pharmacological therapy for at least six months.

Interventions

PROCEDUREEndoscopic per-oral pyloromyotomy (POP)

Per-oral pyloromyotomy (POP), alternatively knows as gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM), accomplishes longitudinal division of the pylorus using an endoscope. This procedure involves utilizing endoscopic electrosurgical knife to make an incision in the gastric mucosa and develop a submucosal tunnel to visualize the pyloric ring. The pyloric ring is divided longitudinally, and the mucosotomy incision is sealed with endoscopic clips.

PROCEDUREDiagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) without pyloric disruption

While under general anesthesia, a standard gastroscope is introduced and a diagnostic upper endoscopy is performed. The operator talks through the procedure steps as if completing POP. The gastroscope is withdrawn and the patient is extubated.

Sponsors

Matthew Allemang
Lead SponsorOTHER
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
CollaboratorNIH

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Intervention model description

A comparative effectiveness, single center (with two surgical units), randomized (1:1) study of POP vs. sham endoscopic surveillance in patients with medically refractory gastroparesis. This study will also include a crossover approach, offering POP to patients randomized to the sham arm, if they remain symptomatic at 12 weeks post randomization.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Male or female, aged 18-75 2. Diagnosis of medically refractory gastroparesis by 4 hour non-extrapolated solid phase gastric emptying study completed within 12 months of enrollment. Medical refractoriness is defined by at least 6 months of medical treatment with no significant improvement in baseline symptoms 3. Completion of all routine assessments in our multidisciplinary gastroparesis clinic, which includes evaluation by gastroenterology, behavioral health, and nutrition specialists 4. Ability to take oral medication and be willing to adhere to the post-procedure dietary and medication regimen 5. For females of reproductive potential: use of highly effective contraception for at least 1 month prior to screening and agreement to use such a method during study participation 6. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study 7. Willingness and reasonable expectation that the individual will be able to travel to the study site for the intervention and each scheduled in-person assessment, as well as virtual assessments if necessary 8. Be able to speak and read the English language.

Exclusion criteria

1. Active use of narcotic pain medication 2. Presence of concomitant gastrointestinal transit disorder such as small bowel dysmotility or uncontrolled colonic dysmotility (As defined by clinical judgement or \< 3 bowel movements per week) 3. Etiology of gastroparesis is post-surgical 4. Pregnancy or lactation 5. History of egg allergy 6. Prior surgical intervention of the stomach or gastric pylorus 7. Current parenteral nutrition 8. Uncontrolled coagulopathy (platelet count \<50,000 and INR\>1.5) or use of anticoagulant medications (with the exception of antiplatelet therapy)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI)Baseline, 12 weeks post-procedureChange in Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) at Baseline to 12 weeks post-procedure. Possible scores range from 0 (None) to 5 (Very Severe).

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Gastric EmptyingBaseline, 12 weeks post-procedureChange in gastric emptying as measured by a standardized 4-hour solid scintigraphic gastric emptying study at Baseline to 12 weeks post-procedure
36-Item Short Form; Quality of Life SurveyBaseline,12 weeks post-procedureChange in 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) score from Baseline to 12 weeks post-procedure. The weighted sums of responses to questions in the survey produce eight separate scales which are scored from 0-100, with zero indication maximum disability and one hundred indicating no disability in that domain.

Countries

United States

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORMatthew Allemang, MD

The Cleveland Clinic

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jul 14, 2026