Removing more mesentery during ileocecal surgery for Crohn's disease
Official title: Extended Mesenteric Resection in Ileocecal Crohn's Disease to Prevent Recurrent Disease - A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Run by Odense University Hospital · NCT06324838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether removing more of the mesentery during ileocecal surgery lowers the chance Crohn's disease comes back at the bowel connection.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 204 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Odense University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Odense) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2029 |
| Registry record updated | January 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06324838 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18 years) scheduled for elective ileocecal resection for limited ('simple') ileocecal Crohn's disease affecting ≤40 cm of ileum, without prior ileocecal resection, who can consent and understand Danish or another Nordic language.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with more extensive or multifocal Crohn's disease, previous ileocecal resections, inability to understand Nordic languages, pregnancy, lactation, or those who are not surgical candidates are unlikely to benefit from this intervention or the trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The EXCEED randomized, blinded trial will enroll 204 adults with ileocecal Crohn's disease who need elective resection and randomize them to standard mesocolic-sparing or extended mesocolic resection. Procedures are performed laparoscopically with at least 5 cm of disease-free bowel on each side and a stapled side-to-side isoperistaltic anastomosis; extended mesocolic excision removes visibly inflamed mesentery. The primary endpoint is endoscopic recurrence at 12 months, with additional endoscopy and clinical follow-up at 6 months and long-term chart review at 3 and 5 years. A nested cohort of 20 participants will receive extra surveillance testing to compare non-invasive methods for detecting anastomotic recurrence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower endoscopic and clinical recurrence at the anastomosis, reducing the need for repeat surgery and long-term medication.
How similar studies have gone: Retrospective and observational studies have suggested that including the mesentery may reduce recurrence, but randomized blinded trials are limited and the approach is not yet definitively proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Patients above the age of 18 scheduled for ileocecal resection due to Crohn's disease. * Relevant endoscopy and imaging within the last 6 months. * Diagnosis of "simple" ileocecal Crohn's disease (limited to ileocecal disease with a maximum of 40 cm of affected ileum). Exclusion Criteria * Previous ileocecal resection. * Inability to understand Danish or another Nordic language. * Inability to comprehend the purpose and design of the project. * Pregnancy or lactation.
Where it's running
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Odense University Hospital
Odense, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jens K Bælum, MD
- Email: jens.kristian.baelum@rsyd.dk
- Phone: +4521758114
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Laparoscopic right colectomy with extended mesenteric excision and Kono-S anastomosis for Crohn's of the terminal ileum
This will test whether combining laparoscopic right colectomy with extended mesenteric excision and the Kono-S anastomosis helps people with terminal ileum Crohn's by lowering complications and recurrence.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.