Investigating flow-controlled ventilation during robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery

PROtective Ventilation With FLOW-Controlled Ventilation to Improve Postoperative Pulmonary Outcome After ROBOT-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery - an International Multicenter Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen · NCT06703814

This study is testing if a new way of helping patients breathe during robot-assisted surgery can make it safer for those at risk of lung problems after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCantonal Hospital of St. Gallen Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Innsbruck, Tyrol and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06703814 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) compared to pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. The study focuses on patients at increased risk for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and will assess the impact of FCV on lung-specific outcomes during and after surgery. By optimizing intraoperative ventilation strategies, the trial seeks to reduce the incidence of complications associated with mechanical ventilation. The findings will inform the design of a larger trial to test the efficacy of FCV in improving postoperative outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing elective robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery with an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Not a fit: Patients with a body weight under 40 kg or those classified as ASA Physical Status IV to VI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer ventilation techniques and reduced risk of lung complications for patients undergoing major surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that flow-controlled ventilation is a safe method for patients undergoing surgery, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* undergoing elective robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in supine or Trendelenburg position (either abdominal, urologic or gynecologic surgery);
* AND increased risk of PPCs according to the ARISCAT risk score (≥ 26 points);
* OR the combination of age \> 40 years, scheduled surgery lasting \> 2 hours and planned to receive an intra-arterial catheter for blood pressure monitoring during the surgery;
* aged ≥ 18 years; and
* able to give written informed consent to participate in the study and agree to comply with the study protocol prior to initiation of any study-mandated procedure and study intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ideal body weight \< 40 kg;
* ASA Physical Status Classification System score IV - VI;
* previous enrolment into the current study;
* being the study investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons;
* if female and of childbearing potential, known pregnancy or a positive urine pregnancy test (confirmed by a positive serum pregnancy test), or lactating; or
* No informed consent

Where this trial is running

Innsbruck, Tyrol and 2 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 Postoperative Pulmonary ComplicationsFeasibility StudiesPilot Studyflow-controlled ventilationpostoperative pulmonary complicationsmechanical ventilationintraoperative ventilation
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.