Comparing biodegradable stents to no stents in high-risk pancreatic surgery patients

Internal Biodegradable Stent Versus Non-Stent in Patients at High-Risk of Developing Fistula After Pancreatoduodenectomy (BioSteP): a Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Ospedale San Raffaele · NCT05668260

This study is testing whether using a biodegradable stent during pancreatic surgery can help prevent complications like pancreatic leaks in high-risk patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment122 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOspedale San Raffaele Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan, Milan)
Trial IDNCT05668260 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a biodegradable internal pancreatic stent in preventing clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the biodegradable stent or no stent at the pancreatic anastomosis site. The study will focus on comparing the rates of CR-POPF between the two groups, utilizing the Fistula Risk Score to determine eligibility. The novel ARCHIMEDES™ stent is designed to minimize the risk of displacement, potentially improving patient outcomes after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy and are at high risk for developing postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Not a fit: Patients with a low to moderate risk of developing pancreatic fistula or those who have had previous distal pancreatectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative complications in high-risk pancreatic surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of pancreatic stents has been explored in previous studies, the specific application of the biodegradable ARCHIMEDES™ stent represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18
* Patients who undergo pancreatoduodenectomy (PD)
* Informed Consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous distal pancreatectomy
* Patients with intra-operative negligible, intermediate or moderate risk of POPF (fistula risk score \< 7)

Where this trial is running

Milan, Milan

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 PancreatoduodenectomyClinically Relevant Postoperative Pancreatic FistulaInternal Biodegradable Pancreatic StentPancreatic surgeryCR-POPFPost operative complicationsARCHIMEDES™
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.