Comparing external and internal pancreatic duct stents after surgery for pancreatic cancer

A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study of External Pancreatic Duct Stents in Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Not applicable Interventional Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University · NCT05725590

This study is testing whether using external or internal stents after pancreatic cancer surgery can help prevent complications like pancreatic fistulas in patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Hangzhou)
Trial IDNCT05725590 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of external versus internal pancreatic duct stents in preventing postoperative pancreatic fistulas in patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy. It aims to clarify the controversial benefits of these stents by using the Updated Alternative Fistula Risk Score to assess both high-risk and low-risk patients. The study will involve multiple centers and will focus on the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative complications following the surgical procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who have undergone pancreatoduodenectomy with a pancreaticojejunal anastomosis and have a risk score for pancreatic fistula greater than 5%.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities, previous abdominal surgeries, or those under 18 or over 75 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of external pancreatic duct stents, indicating that while some suggest benefits, the evidence remains inconclusive.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticojejunal mucosa anastomosis was performed;

  * The patient has no combined organic diseases in the heart, lungs, or kidneys;

    * No history of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, upper abdominal surgery, or combined with other tumors; ④ The risk score of the pancreatic fistula of the patient according to the definition of the updated Alternative Fistula Risk Score (ua-FRS). Patients with a ua-FRS score higher than 5% were included in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous history of other tumors or upper abdominal surgery; ② Multiple lesions and distant metastasis;

  * Patients with organic diseases of important organs such as the heart, lung, and kidney, who cannot tolerate surgery, or patients who are more than 75 years old or less than 18 years old; ④ Other measures were performed to prevent pancreatic fistula, such as fibrin glue sealing, which may affect the accuracy of this study.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou

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 FistulaClinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulaExternal pancreatic duct stentPancreaticoduodenectomy
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.