Comparing preoperative and postoperative blood clot prevention in pancreatic surgery
Official title: Pre- Vs. Postoperative Thromboprophylaxis in Pancreatic Surgery - a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial (PREPOSTEROUS Pancreas Trial)
Run by Helsinki University Central Hospital · NCT05245877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether giving blood clot prevention medication before or after pancreatic surgery works better to keep patients safe from clots.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Helsinki University Central Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Toronto and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 17, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 14, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05245877 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, total pancreatectomy, or distal pancreatectomy for suspected cancer.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients on anticoagulant medications, those requiring emergency surgery, or individuals under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the timing of thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, specifically comparing preoperative versus postoperative administration of anticoagulants like enoxaparin, tinzaparin, or dalteparin. The research aims to address the lack of consensus and low-quality evidence surrounding thrombosis prevention in this high-risk surgical population. By conducting a prospective randomized trial, the study seeks to provide clearer guidelines for managing the balance between thrombosis and bleeding risks in pancreatic surgery patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved protocols for preventing blood clots in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, potentially reducing complications and enhancing recovery.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited evidence from retrospective studies, this approach is novel as it aims to provide prospective data in a field lacking high-quality trials.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: All patients undergoing either 1. pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy (for any indication) or 2. distal pancreatectomy for suspicion of cancer Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patient on anticoagulative medication (heparin, low-molecular weight heparin, warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants) during the month (30 days) preceding surgery 2. Emergency operation (e.g. for trauma, infection or pancreatitis) 3. Age \< 18 years 4. Allergy or other contraindication to planned low-molecular weight heparin 5. Inability to give written informed consent 6. Pancreatic resection not performed (removed from analyses after randomization)
Where it's running
-
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Canada Recruiting -
Helsinki University Hospital
Helsinki, Finland Recruiting -
Oulu University Hospital
Oulu, Finland Recruiting -
Tampere University Hospital
Tampere, Finland Recruiting -
Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ville Sallinen, MD,PhD
- Email: ville.sallinen@helsinki.fi
- Phone: +358-9-4711
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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.