Investigating a surgical technique to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer surgery

Effect of Peri-adventitial SMA Dissection on Margin Status During Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust · NCT04902352

This study is testing a new surgical technique during pancreatic cancer surgery to see if it can help patients have better outcomes and live longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, County (Optional))
Trial IDNCT04902352 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of peri-adventitial dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) during pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The study will compare outcomes between patients who undergo this dissection technique and those who do not, focusing on the margin status of the surgical resection. Given the high rates of R1 resection and its association with poorer survival, the trial seeks to standardize this technique and provide evidence for its routine use. The ultimate goal is to improve surgical outcomes and patient survival rates.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients aged 18 and older with non-metastatic pancreatic tumors of the head or uncinate process who are eligible for pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease, borderline or locally advanced tumors, or those with other specific types of cancer will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical margins and better survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the technique of peri-adventitial dissection has been practiced in various centers, this study aims to provide grade 1 evidence, making it a novel approach in the context of standardized surgical practice.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All adult (≥ 18 years old) patients with a non-metastatic (based on NCCN definition) on imaging pancreatic tumour of the head or uncinate process treated with a pancreaticoduodenectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. All paediatric patients (\< 18 years old)
2. Patients that cannot provide consent
3. All borderline, locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic tumours on imaging (based on NCCN criteria)
4. All patients with a cytological or histological diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary and duodenal carcinoma
5. All patients with benign disease or dysplasia with no evidence of malignancy

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, County (Optional)

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 Pancreatic Adenocarcinomapancreatic cancerSMA dissectionSuperior mesenteric arterymargin status
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.