Evaluating the effects of lying face down after major abdominal surgery

Effects of Prone Position After Major Abdominal Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Vastra Gotaland Region · NCT05630443

This study is testing whether lying face down after major abdominal surgery helps patients recover better and have fewer lung problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorVastra Gotaland Region Government
Locations1 site (Gothenburg)
Trial IDNCT05630443 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of adopting a prone position after major abdominal surgeries, specifically targeting patients undergoing esophageal, gastric, or pancreatic procedures. It involves a randomized design with two groups: one following the standard enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol and the other incorporating periods of prone positioning. The study aims to assess outcomes such as oxygen saturation and the incidence of lung complications, including pneumonia and thromboembolism, during the postoperative period. Patients will be monitored for various parameters, including lung volumes and overall recovery experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for curative major abdominal surgeries involving the esophagus, stomach, or pancreas.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot understand Swedish or are unable to perform a prone position preoperatively will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of lung complications and improve recovery outcomes for patients after major abdominal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using prone positioning post-abdominal surgery is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in improving respiratory outcomes in other surgical contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients eligable for abdominal surgery aim to cure with:

Inclusion Criteria:

\- malignancy of the esophagus, gastric- or pancreas

Exclusion Criteria:

-.not able to understand Swedish in writing or speaking

\- preoperatively unable to perform a prone position

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg

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 SurgeryComplications, PostoperativeLung Infectioncomplications postoperativelungcomplicationsabdominal surgeryprone position
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.