Antiseptic-coated sutures to reduce pancreatic fistula risk after Whipple

Does Antiseptic Coated Suture Reduce Pancreatic Fistula Rate After Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The Cleveland Clinic · NCT07318493

This trial tests whether using antiseptic-coated sutures during a Whipple procedure reduces the chance of developing a pancreatic fistula within 90 days after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment436 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Akron, Ohio and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07318493 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled superiority trial will assign adult patients undergoing a scheduled pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple) to receive either antiseptic (triclosan)-coated sutures or standard non-coated sutures. The primary outcome is the rate of clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula within 90 days after surgery. Randomization occurs at Cleveland Clinic sites in Ohio and both suture types are already used at these centers. The goal is to see if the antiseptic coating lowers clinically important fistula rates compared with standard sutures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) scheduled for elective pancreatoduodenectomy who can provide informed consent and have not had prior pancreatic surgery are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency operations, those with prior pancreatic surgery, pregnant patients, minors, or people unable to consent are not eligible and would not benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, antiseptic-coated sutures could lower rates of postoperative pancreatic fistula and reduce related infections, reinterventions, and hospital stay.

How similar studies have performed: Triclosan-coated sutures have reduced surgical-site infections in some abdominal and general surgery studies, but evidence specifically showing reduced pancreatic fistula after Whipple procedures is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects must be undergoing a scheduled pancreatoduodenectomy.
* Age ≥18 years.
* Subjects must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \< 18 years old
* Patients who are pregnant
* Patients with history of previous pancreatic surgery
* Patients who are unable to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Akron, Ohio and 2 other locations

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 PancreatoduodenectomyWhipple Procedurepancreatoduodenectomywhipple proceduresutures
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.