Comparing laparoscopic and open surgery for pancreatic cancer

Multicenter Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial for Comparison Between Laparoscopic and Open Distal Pancreatectomy for Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Body and Tail

NA · Seoul National University Hospital · NCT03957135

This study is testing whether laparoscopic surgery is as safe and effective as open surgery for patients with pancreatic cancer that can be removed.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment244 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Seongnam-si, Kyeonggi-do)
Trial IDNCT03957135 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy for patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma located in the body and tail of the pancreas. It is a multicenter randomized controlled trial that aims to determine if laparoscopic surgery can achieve similar or better postoperative outcomes and survival rates compared to traditional open surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two surgical approaches, and their postoperative outcomes and survival data will be analyzed to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the body and tail, without evidence of distant metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with remote metastasis or those with a history of other malignancies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a less invasive surgical option that may lead to improved recovery and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for laparoscopic approaches in similar surgical contexts, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score 0-2
* Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that is pathologically confirmed or shows characteristic radiologic features
* Patients with resectable pancreatic cancer at the time of surgery (Including borderline resectable pancreatic cancer at the time of diagnosis or Locally advanced pancreatic cancer after chemotherapy or radiation therapy)
* Lesion (within pancreatic body and tail) is located to the left of the left branch of the hepatic portal vein
* No remote metastasis in preoperative imaging and not adjacent to the superior mesenteric vein, superior mesenteric artery, and abdominal artery
* Patients without invasion of adjacent organs other than the left adrenal gland and mesocolon
* Patients with informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with remote metastasis at the time of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
* History of other malignancy (Inclusive if there is no evidence of recurrence after 5 years of treatment)
* In the case of invasion of other organs other than the left adrenal gland and mesocolon
* Where major vascular resection, such as the portal vein or abdominal artery, is required to secure negative resection
* Recurrent pancreatic cancer
* Patients with underlying diseases at high risk of general anesthesia
* Preperitoneal or other organ metastases found during surgery
* In case of previously undergone pancreatic resection
* Other subject whom the investigator deems inappropriate

Where this trial is running

Seongnam-si, Kyeonggi-do

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pancreas Neoplasm Malignant Resectable, pancreas neoplasms, pancreatectomy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.