Assessing energy expenditure in patients undergoing major liver surgery

Pre- and Postoperative Energy Expenditure in Major Liver Resection: What do we Ask From a Patient?

Observational Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht · NCT05931068

This study looks at how much energy patients use while recovering from major liver surgery to see if their fitness level before surgery affects their recovery and complications afterward, especially in older patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Maastricht)
Trial IDNCT05931068 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the energy expenditure and metabolic demands of patients recovering from major liver resections. It focuses on understanding the relationship between preoperative aerobic capacity and postoperative complications, particularly in older patients with higher risks. By assessing both pre- and postoperative metabolic rates, the study seeks to provide insights that could enhance prehabilitation programs designed to improve patient outcomes. The findings may help tailor interventions to reduce the high complication rates associated with major liver surgeries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for open liver resection involving three or more segments.

Not a fit: Patients with cirrhotic liver conditions or those unable to participate in required assessments will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prehabilitation strategies that significantly reduce postoperative complications in high-risk liver surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that exercise prehabilitation can effectively reduce postoperative complications in similar surgical contexts, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Scheduled for open liver resection (≥3 segments) at the MUMC+
* Able to understand the Dutch language sufficiently to give consent and follow orders during study assessments

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cirrhotic liver
* Unable or unwilling to perform CPET or indirect calorimetry
* Liver ablation as the primary treatment
* Termination of surgery due to too extensive oncological disease (open-close surgery

Where this trial is running

Maastricht

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 CancerLiver DiseasesLiver NeoplasmsEnergy expenditureAerobic capacityResting metabolism rateMetabolic demandPhysical activity
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.