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Clinical trial Recruiting at 13 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Improving preoperative care for pancreatic surgery patients

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

Run by Maastricht University Medical Center · NCT05851534 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment2575 (estimated)
SponsorMaastricht University Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations13 sites ('s-Hertogenbosch and 12 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 2, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 2, 2027
Study endsSeptember 2, 2028
Registry record updatedOctober 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT05851534 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably not a fit

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

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Jeroen Bosch Hospital
    's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Amsterdam University Medical Center
    Amsterdam, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Olvg
    Amsterdam, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Amphia Hospital
    Breda, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Catharina Hospital
    Eindhoven, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Medisch Spectrum Twente
    Enschede, Netherlands     Recruiting
Show 7 more locations
  • University Medical Center Groningen
    Groningen, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden
    Leeuwarden, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Leiden University Medical Center
    Leiden, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Maatricht University Medical Center
    Maastricht, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Radboud University Medical Center
    Nijmegen, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Erasmus Medical Center
    Rotterdam, Netherlands     Recruiting
  • Raku
    Utrecht, Netherlands     Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Marcel den Dulk, MD PhD — Maastricht University Medical Center/ University Maastricht
  • Study coordinator: Marcel den Dulk, MD PhD
  • Email: marcel.den.dulk@mumc.nl
  • Phone: +3143 3875492

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.