Comparing total pancreatectomy and pancreatic anastomosis for high-risk patients

Total Pancreatectomy or High-risk Pancreatic Anastomosis After Pancreatoduodenectomy (TETRIS): a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona · NCT05212350

This study is testing whether total pancreatectomy or pancreatic anastomosis is better for extremely high-risk patients to avoid complications after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAzienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Heidelberg and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05212350 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the outcomes of total pancreatectomy versus primary pancreatic anastomosis in patients identified as extremely high-risk for postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive one of the two surgical interventions based on specific intraoperative criteria assessed by multiple surgeons. The study will collect preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data to analyze the impact on surgical morbidity and quality of life. The goal is to determine which approach yields better postoperative outcomes for this vulnerable patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 scheduled for pancreatoduodenectomy with specific high-risk criteria for pancreatic fistula.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the eligibility criteria or have a main pancreatic duct diameter greater than 3mm will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on pancreatic surgery outcomes, this specific comparison of total pancreatectomy versus pancreatic anastomosis in high-risk patients is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients older than 18 years
* All patients scheduled for PD for all kind of pancreatic diseases
* Patients able to give their informed consent
* Patients undergoing PD (Kausch-Whipple or Longmire-Traverso)
* Patients presenting two major and at least one minor criteria (Major criteria: Main pancreatic duct diameter ≤3mm; Soft pancreas. Minor criteria: Bleeding stump; Friable stump; Posterior/Eccentric duct; Invisible duct; Deep pancreas; Intraoperative acute pancreatitis; FRS 9-10)
* Two or more surgeons confirming eligibility
* PA or TP with or without spleen preservation (Kimura technique). These techniques are consistent with clinical practice; any other procedure will be a deviation from the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Informed consent withdrawal
* Impossibility to undergo surgery for any reason
* Main pancreatic duct of the pancreatic neck/body \>3mm at preoperative imaging (CT scan or MRI)
* PD not performed for any reason
* Absence of two major criteria
* Absence of at least one minor criteria
* Absence of interobserver agreement between at least 2 surgeons
* More than 1 extension of resection to pancreatic neck due to pancreatic margin positivity
* Wrong randomization

Where this trial is running

Heidelberg and 4 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 FistulaPancreatic fistulaHigh-risk pancreasPancreatoduodenectomyPancreatic anastomosisTotal pancreatectomy
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.