Improving preoperative care for pancreatic surgery patients

Preoperative Optimisation of Modifiable Risk Factors in Surgery of the Pancreas: the Implementation of Best Practice Before Pancreatic Resection

Not applicable Interventional Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT05851534

This study is testing a new health program to see if it helps patients get stronger and recover faster after pancreatic surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2575 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations13 sites ('s-Hertogenbosch and 12 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05851534 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a prehabilitation program designed to optimize the health of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. It focuses on screening and addressing eight modifiable risk factors, including fitness level, nutrition, psychological resilience, and comorbidities. The study will utilize a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design across 13 centers in the Netherlands, transitioning from standard care to the best practice program in a randomized order. The primary outcomes include time to functional recovery and reduction in postoperative complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for elective pancreatic resection as part of curative treatment.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those requiring acute pancreatic resections will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance recovery times and reduce complications for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown promise in prehabilitation for colorectal surgery, this approach for pancreatic surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients who are planned for a curative treatment with or without neoadjuvant treatment and elective pancreatic resection in one of the centres of the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group (i.e. all centres performing major pancreatic surgery)

Exclusion Criteria:

* age \< 18 years
* acute pancreatic resections (resection scheduled within two weeks)

Where this trial is running

's-Hertogenbosch and 12 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 PrehabilitationPancreas CancerSurgeryPostoperative ComplicationsPancreasPreoperative optimisation
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.