Comparing standard and prolonged antibiotic use after pancreas surgery

Standard Versus Pre-emptive Antibiotic Treatment to Reduce the Rate of Infectious Outcomes After Whipple's Procedure (SPARROW): a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional Leiden University Medical Center · NCT05784311

This study is testing if giving patients longer antibiotics after pancreas surgery can help prevent infections and improve recovery compared to the standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment344 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorLeiden University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations11 sites (Leiden, South Holland and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05784311 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing organ/space surgical site infections (OSIs) in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy who are at high risk for contaminated bile. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard or extended antibiotic treatment for five days post-surgery. The study will also assess other postoperative outcomes, including major morbidity and length of hospital stay, while analyzing the concordance of bile cultures with postoperative infections. The trial seeks to clarify the role of pre-emptive antibiotics in this surgical context, where current guidelines are inconsistent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients over 18 years old undergoing elective pancreatoduodenectomy with a high risk for contaminated bile.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the study antibiotics or those requiring preoperative antibiotic treatment will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative outcomes and reduced infection rates for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in similar surgical contexts, making this approach both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing elective pancreatoduodenectomy with a high risk for contaminated bile defined as patients with preoperative biliary drainage or an ampullary malignancy.
* Age \>18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Contraindication for the study antibiotics (e.g. allergy or intolerance)
* Preoperative planned therapeutic antibiotic treatment (i.e. for cholangitis or liver abscesses)
* A reduced renal function, defined as an eGFR of \<60 ml/min/1.73m2 measured on the closest timepoint prior to pancreatoduodenectomy

Where this trial is running

Leiden, South Holland and 10 other locations

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 CancerAntibiotic prophylaxisPreoperative biliary drainageSurgical site infection
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.