Improving outcomes in esophageal cancer surgery using advanced imaging techniques

Assessment of Graft Perfusion and Oxygenation for Improved Outcome in Esophageal Cancer Surgery

NA · University Hospital, Ghent · NCT03587532

This study is testing if a special imaging technique can help doctors make sure the stomach graft gets enough blood during esophageal cancer surgery to reduce complications afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent (other)
Drugs / interventionsbevacizumab
Locations1 site (Ghent)
Trial IDNCT03587532 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the use of indocyanine green angiography to assess graft perfusion and oxygenation during esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. By utilizing near-infrared fluorescence imaging, the research aims to quantify tissue blood flow and volume at the anastomotic site, addressing the high risk of anastomotic leakage. The study will compare these imaging-based perfusion parameters with traditional hemodynamic evaluations to validate their effectiveness. The goal is to establish a reliable method for ensuring adequate perfusion of the stomach graft, potentially reducing postoperative complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 75 scheduled for elective minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with known hypersensitivity to indocyanine green or those who are pregnant or nursing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower the incidence of anastomotic leakage and improve surgical outcomes for patients undergoing esophagectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of indocyanine green angiography is emerging, this specific application in esophageal cancer surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Pre- and intraoperatively

* Subjects ≥ 18 years and ≤ 75 years who are willing to participate and provide written informed consent prior to any study-related procedures.
* Subjects scheduled for elective minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
* Intrathoracic circular stapled esophago-gastric anastomosis

Exclusion Criteria:

Preoperatively

* Known hypersensitivity to ICG
* Female patients who are pregnant or nursing
* Participation in other studies involving investigational drugs or devices.
* Use of Avastin™ (bevacizumab) or other anti vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents within 30 days prior to surgery

Intra-operatively

* Intra-operative findings that may preclude conduct of the study procedures
* Anastomosis performed differently than the standard of care
* Excessive bleeding (\>500 ml) prior to anastomosis

Where this trial is running

Ghent

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anastomotic Leak, Esophageal Cancer, esophagectomy, indocyanine green, near infrared fluorescence

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.