Comparing radiofrequency-assisted pancreas transection to stapler-assisted transection

Radiofrequency-assisted Transection of the Pancreas vs Stapler. A Phase III Randomized Clinical Trial.

NA · Hospital del Mar · NCT04402346

This study tests if a new method using radiofrequency to cut the pancreas can lower the chances of complications compared to the standard stapler method for patients having surgery for pancreatic tumors.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital del Mar (other)
Locations1 site (Barcelona, Catalonia)
Trial IDNCT04402346 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency-assisted pancreas transection in reducing the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula compared to the traditional stapler method. It is a Phase III multicenter, randomized study involving patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy for various pancreatic neoplasms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the radiofrequency group or the control group receiving stapler-assisted transection, with various clinical and demographic factors being assessed as secondary endpoints.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with solid or cystic pancreatic neoplasms who are scheduled for distal pancreatectomy.

Not a fit: Patients requiring pancreatectomy at the neck level or those with severe comorbidities (ASA≥IV) may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower the risk of postoperative complications for patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promising results in reducing postoperative complications with alternative techniques.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Solid or cystic, benign or malign pancreas neoplasms.
* Patients undergoing a distal pancreatectomy, i.e pancreas transection beyond \> 2 cm from the SMV (assessed by computer tomography or RM) with or without splenectomy
* Both open and laparoscopic approaches are valid.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who required a pancreatectomy with transection at the level of the neck.
* Non-intervention group: only stapler transection will be accepted, other pancreatic transection methods will be excluded.
* Patients ASA≥IV
* Absence of informed consent
* Underage (\<18 years)

Where this trial is running

Barcelona, Catalonia

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, Fistula, Pancreas fistula, Distal pancreatectomy, Radiofrequency

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.