Can MCT-based feeding after oesophagectomy help prevent chyle leaks?
Official title: MCT Enteral Feeding to Reduce Chyle Leak After Oesophagectomy
Run by Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland · NCT07616245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether starting medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) enteral feeds through a feeding tube after oesophagectomy lowers the chance of a chyle leak compared with standard feeds.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beaumont, Dublin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07616245 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with oesophageal cancer undergoing minimally invasive or robotic-assisted oesophagectomy with planned feeding jejunostomy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without a feeding jejunostomy, non-cancer esophageal disease, or inability to consent may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-centre randomized trial conducted at Beaumont Hospital to see if postoperative MCT-based jejunostomy feeds reduce the incidence of chyle leak after minimally invasive or robotic-assisted oesophagectomy for cancer. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either standard jejunostomy nutrition or an MCT-based formulation, with outcomes including clinically and biochemically confirmed chyle leaks. The study targets adults with oesophageal cancer undergoing curative, minimally invasive or robotic surgery and who have a feeding jejunostomy placed. The trial builds on the idea that MCTs bypass lymphatic transport, potentially decreasing thoracic duct flow and leak risk. Results may inform postoperative nutritional strategies in oesophageal cancer surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience fewer chyle leaks and shorter hospital stays due to improved postoperative recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior use of MCT feeds is established in managing leaks, but prophylactic use in randomized trials for this setting is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Diagnosis of oesophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) * Planned minimally invasive or robotic-assisted oesophagectomy (MIO or RAMIO) with curative intent * Placement of feeding jejunostomy at or prior to oesophagectomy * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent * No feeding jejunostomy placed at or prior to surgery * Prior or concomitant malignancy that would interfere with study protocol or outcomes
Where it's running
-
Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre
Beaumont, Dublin, Ireland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Prof jarlath Bolger, MB, BCh, BAO, MCh, FRCSI
- Email: jarbolger@rcsi.com
- Phone: 018093000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.