Chole VOC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of metabolomic consequences of elective cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease by analysis of volatile organic compounds in urine and faeces. (Chole VOC)
IRAS ID
368277
Contact name
Chris Probert
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
CHOLE-VOC is a study looking at non-invasive methods to identify people who may develop long-term diarrhoea after gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). After surgery, some patients develop post-cholecystectomy diarrhoea (PCD), with a smaller group developing bile acid diarrhoea (BAD), where excess bile acids reach the large bowel and trigger frequent, urgent watery stools. The diagnosis requires a SeHCAT scan, which is not widely available in the UK. BAD is often underdiagnosed or diagnosed late, profoundly affecting patients’ quality of life. Getting a timely diagnosis is vital because treatment with bile acid sequestrants has the potential to quickly improve symptoms.
This study looks at whether volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals released from stool and urine that reflect gut bacteria and bile acid activity, can provide a recognisable ‘signature’ in those who have PCD or BAD.
The study has two parts; Part A is a feasibility study recruiting patients before planned surgery and collecting stool, urine and blood samples and again three months after surgery, alongside symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires. Blood samples will be tested for two novel markers; INSL5, a marker of bile acid exposure in the lower bowel, and C4, a marker of new bile acid synthesis.
Part B of the study will compare VOC patterns in 100 patients after surgery, again in stool and urine: 50 with ongoing diarrhoea and 50 with normal bowel habit.
We will compare samples in patients with PCD or BAD to healthy individuals to see whether we can identify specific VOC ‘signatures’ to group them together.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0135
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion