Minimally invasive right hemicolectomy for quicker bowel recovery

Randomized Trial of Intra-Corporeal Anastomosis for RighT Colectomies (RICART Study)

NA · Corewell Health West · NCT03862781

This study is testing if a less invasive surgery for removing part of the colon helps adults recover their bowel function faster and leave the hospital sooner.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment125 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCorewell Health West (other)
Locations1 site (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT03862781 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates whether performing a right hemicolectomy using a minimally invasive approach with intra-corporeal anastomosis leads to a faster return of bowel function and earlier hospital discharge. Adult patients scheduled for this procedure will be monitored for the primary endpoint of bowel function recovery, measured by the passage of flatus and bowel motions. Secondary endpoints include length of hospital stay, incision size, postoperative pain management, incidence of surgical site infections, and overall perioperative complications. The study aims to enhance recovery protocols for patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 scheduled for a minimally invasive right hemicolectomy with anastomosis.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, require additional colon resections, or are part of vulnerable populations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to quicker recovery times and reduced hospital stays for patients undergoing right hemicolectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible patients are those over 18 years of age who are regularly scheduled to undergo a right hemicolectomy via a minimally invasive approach (robotic or laparoscopic) with the creation of an anastomosis. Right colectomy will be defined as removal of the ascending colon, ligation of the ileocolic artery and vein, +/- removal of the terminal ileum, +/- removal of the proximal transverse colon, and +/- removal of the right branch of the middle colic artery and vein.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Additional colon resection is planned (i.e. left colectomy or proctectomy)
* Vulnerable populations such as prisoners or adults unable to give consent
* If the scheduled surgery is planned at Butterworth hospital (as to standardize the nursing care received postoperatively)
* Emergent cases

Patients will be excluded from the study intra-operatively if:

* The procedure is converted to an open resection
* If a loop ileostomy is performed in addition to the right colectomy

Where this trial is running

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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: Colorectal Disorders

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.