Early (2-week) versus standard (4-week) metal stent removal after EUS-guided drainage for walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

A Randomized Controlled Trial To Evaluate Early (2-Week) vs. Standard (4-Week) Metal Stent Removal Following Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided WON Drainage.

Not applicable Interventional Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India · NCT07307248

This test checks whether removing the metal stent early (at 2 weeks) and placing a double-pigtail plastic drain, versus removing it at the usual 4 weeks without a plastic drain, lowers the chance of fluid collection coming back or needing another procedure in adults with walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment408 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAsian Institute of Gastroenterology, India Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hyderabad, Telangana)
Trial IDNCT07307248 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In adults with walled-off pancreatic necrosis who undergo EUS-guided transluminal drainage with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) and show ≥70% radiologic resolution at 2 weeks, the trial compares early LAMS removal with placement of a double-pigtail plastic stent (DPT) to standard LAMS removal at 4 weeks without DPT. Participants receive endoscopic management per protocol and are followed for 12 months for pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) recurrence, need for reintervention, and stent-related adverse events. Key monitored complications include bleeding, infection requiring intervention, stent migration, and tissue hyperplasia at the tract. The aim is to find a timing strategy that minimizes metal stent–related harms while preserving adequate drainage and minimizing recurrence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with WON treated by EUS-guided LAMS drainage who have ≥70% radiologic resolution at 2 weeks, no chronic pancreatitis or suspected/confirmed pancreatic malignancy, and no major procedure-related complications in the first 2 weeks are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pancreatitis, suspected pancreatic cancer, incomplete necrosectomy or persistent large necrotic debris at 2 weeks, or those who had major early complications are unlikely to benefit from the early-removal approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, early LAMS removal with a DPT could reduce bleeding and other metal stent–related complications while maintaining low recurrence and reintervention rates.

How similar studies have performed: Small observational and prospective series suggest shorter LAMS dwell time may reduce stent-related adverse events and that DPT placement can preserve tract patency, but high-quality randomized evidence is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON) undergoing endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage with lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS)
* Radiological resolution of the pancreatic fluid collection ≥70% at 2 weeks after index endoscopic drainage, assessed on cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of chronic pancreatitis
* Pancreatic malignancy (suspected or confirmed)
* Incomplete endoscopic necrosectomy or persistent large necrotic debris on imaging at 2 weeks after drainage
* Occurrence of major procedure-related adverse events within the first 2 weeks, including:
* Clinically significant bleeding
* Infection requiring additional intervention
* Stent migration
* Inability or unwillingness to provide written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Hyderabad, Telangana

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 Walled Off NecrosisEarly LAMS removal
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.