Early feeding after pediatric biliary surgery to speed recovery
Official title: Early Oral Feeding Versus Conventional Feeding After Surgery for Biliary Atresia and Choledochal Cyst: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Child Health Sciences and Children's Hospital, Lahore · NCT07709702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In children having biliary atresia or choledochal cyst surgery, this study tests whether starting oral liquids within 24 hours after surgery helps recovery compared with waiting until after 48 hours.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 1 Month to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Child Health Sciences and Children's Hospital, Lahore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 27, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07709702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children up to 14 years old with choledochal cyst type I/IV undergoing Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy or biliary atresia with portoenterostomy.
✕Probably not a fit
Children who have complications or instability after surgery, or those not meeting eligible surgical criteria, may not benefit from early feeding.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized trial in children undergoing Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy or portoenterostomy to compare early oral feeding (within 24 hours post-op) versus conventional feeding after 48 hours. The study looks at postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, vomiting, and other recovery indicators. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles guide the early-feeding approach, aiming to reduce surgical stress and improve GI recovery. The trial is conducted at the University of Child Health Sciences and The Children’s Hospital, Lahore, enrolling 46 pediatric patients up to 14 years old. Outcomes will help determine if early feeding is safe and beneficial in low- and middle-income country settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, early feeding could shorten hospital stays and improve recovery after pediatric hepatobiliary surgery.
How similar studies have gone: ERAS and early enteral feeding have shown benefits in various surgeries, but pediatric hepatobiliary data remain limited; this study adds targeted evidence in this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. All children diagnosed with choledochal cyst type I and IV on MRCP or CT scan, undergoing elective Roux-En-Y hepaticojejunostomy 2. All children with provisional diagnosis of biliary atresia undergoing Roux-En-Y portoenterostomy Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with suspected biliary atresia not undergoing portoenterostomy after Per-op cholangiogram either due to ruling out of disease or advanced disease deemed candidates for liver transplant 2. patients with history of Emergency surgery or external drainage of choledochal cyst 3. Hemodynamically unstable patients after surgery 4. Previous history of GI surgery
Where it's running
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University of Child Health Sciences, The Children's Hospital, Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sundas Zahra, MBBS — University of Child Health sciences & The Children's Hospital, Lahore
- Study coordinator: Sundas Zahra, MBBS
- Email: sundaszahra1080@gmail.com
- Phone: +923400686300
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Long-term physiological changes in children after biliary tract reconstruction
This project will follow children who had biliary tract reconstruction for choledochal cyst to see if early changes in liver, metabolism, or immune function predict health problems later in life.
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Surgical options for Type IVa choledochal cyst (biliary dilatation)
This project will compare two surgical approaches to see which gives better short- and long-term outcomes for people with Type IVa choledochal cyst.
-
Cohort study on biliary dilatation in China
This study is trying to gather information from patients with bile duct dilatation across China to better understand the condition, its risks, and the best timing for surgery.
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.