Antecolic versus Retrocolic Gastrojejunostomy after a Whipple (pancreaticoduodenectomy)

Antecolic Versus Retrocolic Gastrojejunostomy Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: a Prospective Randomised Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Thessaly · NCT06914349

This trial tests whether routing the stomach-to-small-intestine connection in front of (antecolic) or behind (retrocolic) the colon changes the chance of delayed gastric emptying in adults having a Whipple operation for pancreatic cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment76 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Thessaly Academic / other
Locations1 site (Larissa)
Trial IDNCT06914349 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized trial at the University Hospital of Larissa comparing two ways to reconstruct the gastrointestinal tract after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy: antecolic versus retrocolic gastrojejunostomy. Adult patients undergoing elective Whipple surgery are randomized to one of the two reconstruction routes and followed for the occurrence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE). The study excludes patients under 18 or over 75 years and those who do not consent or are enrolled in conflicting trials. The primary comparison is the rate of DGE between the two groups, and outcomes are analyzed to see if one method leads to fewer postoperative gastric emptying problems.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age 18–75) scheduled for elective pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy who can give informed consent and are not enrolled in conflicting studies are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 or over 75, those having non-pylorus-preserving or emergency pancreatic surgery, or those with contraindications to either reconstruction are unlikely to benefit from joining this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one route causes less delayed gastric emptying, patients could have faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and fewer feeding complications after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous surgical series and some randomized reports have hinted that antecolic reconstruction may lower DGE rates, but results have been inconsistent and not definitively conclusive.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 18 years old
* Elective pancreaticoduodenectomy
* Signed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age under 18 years old
* Patients who are participants in other trials that may affect the results of this study
* Patients who do not consent to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Larissa

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pancreatic Cancer ResectablePancreas NeoplasmsGastrojejunostomyWhipple&#39sAntecolicRetrocolic
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.