Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Below are current clinical trials.

Filter this list of studies by location, status and more.

1. A Study of the Use of a Squatting Assist Device in Patients with Constipation

   Rochester, Minn.

   Constipation is a very common problem. Western style toilets that are nearly universal in the United States require the person to sit on the toilet. However, results from uncontrolled studies suggests that a squatting posture (as prevalent in many foreign countries) may be better at facilitating evacuation compared to a Western style commode. One uncontrolled, unpublished study suggests that a footstool improved bowel symptoms in nearly 98% of 153 constipated participants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefits of a footstool on symptoms and anorectal function in constipated patients.

2. A Study to Understand Crohn’s Disease using a Genetic Approach

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to collect clinical information, blood and tissue samples from people with Crohn’s disease at the time of their bowel resection and at their standard of care colonoscopy after bowel resection. People without Crohn’s Disease are being asked only to give tissue samples at the time of a clinically indicated colonoscopy so their tissue can be compared to those that have Crohn’s Disease.

   This study will compare the genetic codes (DNA) from active disease affected intestinal cells to these same cells from the same patient when they are without disease (inactive). We will be able to conclude which genetic codes are modified in the setting of active and inactive CD. This study has hopes of understanding the root cause of Crohn’s Disease.

3. A Study to Validate DNA Methylation Markers for Universal and Site-specific Guided Cancer Detection

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to validate candidate universal and site-specific methylated DNA markers (MDMs) in DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded primary tumor and control specimens.

4. Transforming Healthcare and Outcomes for Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

   La Crosse, Wis., Mankato, Minn., Rochester, Minn., Eau Claire, Wis.

   The purpose is to put the information into a very large database, which can then be used to improve patient care and achieve the best health outcomes possible for children with IBD.

5. A Study to Evaluate the Use of Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy as an IMaging Biomarker (CLIMB Study) for the Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

   Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The purpose of this study is to evaluate EUS-nCLE as an imaging biomarker and PCL fluid DNA analysis as a molecular biomarker for the management of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs).

6. A Study to Evaluate if New Tests (“biomarkers”) of Blood, Stool, Pancreas Cyst Fluid, or Pancreas Juice can be Used to Diagnose Malignant or Pre-malignant Changes in People with Pancreas Cysts

   Rochester, Minn.

   The goal of this protocol is to collect biospecimens in order to prospectively evaluate diagnostic and prognostic performance of MDMs for detection of advanced neoplasia in pancreatic cysts. 

7. Genomic and Environmental Basis of Imperforate Anus

   Rochester, Minn.

   The study aims are to develop a consent-based IRB proposal that will enroll newborns who have imperforate anus.  The proposal will include permission for chart review and database information storage, to develop a database that will include MRN, imperforate anus phenotype, information on other congenital malformations, syndromic diagnosis if available, demographic information, and to develop a biobank of DNA and white blood cell samples from infants with imperforate anus. If patients are undergoing a skin biopsy for a medically indicated reason, cells will be requested.

   Imperforate Anus, also known as anal atresia, is a rare birth defect.  Unable to pass stool through the gastrointestinal tract, this condition can result in death of the newborn and emergency surgery is required once discovered.  More than two thirds of affected infants have other birth defects that include other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, airway, heart, skeleton, kidneys, eyes, or ears. The exact prevalence of imperforate anus in the newborn population is unknown. 

8. A Study to Create a Registry for Patients at High-Risk for Pancreatic Cancer

   Rochester, Minn.

   This study aims to facilitate discovery and validation of tests for early detection in subjects at high risk for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). and to facilitate the use of state-of-the-art machine learning-based algorithms that utilize databases and images with the purpose of identifying early stages of pancreatic cancer, as well as people at high-risk.The study also aims to provide a platform for development of an interventional protocol for early detection of PDAC.

9. A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Improving Glycemic Control on Gastric Emptying in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of improving glycemic control, and/or reducing glycemic variability on gastric emptying, intestinal barrier function, autonomic nerve functions, and epigenetic changes in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and  type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are switched to intensive insulin therapy as part of clinical practice.

10. A Study to Evaluate Evacuation Mechanisms Using Advanced Brain Imaging

    Rochester, Minn.

    The objective of this study is to compare the central neural circuitry with fMRI (7T) in 30 asymptomatic healthy controls, 30 constipated patients without DD, and 30 constipated patients with DD at rest (functional connectivity analysis), during rectal distention to desire to defecate and urgency, and during evacuation.