Skipping the nasogastric tube before versus omitting it after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Official title: A Single Center Prospective Randomized Trial of Complete vs. Postoperative Nasogastric Tube Omission in Pancreaticoduodenectomied Patients
Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07321470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether adults having pancreaticoduodenectomy for peri‑ampullary tumors recover faster and have fewer complications when the nasogastric tube is omitted entirely versus only omitted after surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei, Zhongzheng District) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07321470 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–75 with benign or malignant peri‑ampullary lesions scheduled for pancreaticoduodenectomy who do not have prior gastric or esophageal surgery and do not have end‑stage kidney disease, chronic respiratory disease, or advanced heart failure.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with previous gastric or esophageal surgery, end‑stage kidney disease, documented chronic respiratory disease, New York Heart Association class III or higher heart failure, pregnancy, nursing mothers, or those under legal guardianship are excluded and would not be expected to benefit from participating.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidance supports early removal or selective omission of nasogastric tubes (NGT) after major abdominal operations, but routine preoperative NGT insertion remains common. This interventional trial randomizes adults undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy to either complete omission of the NGT or postoperative omission (PONGT) to compare outcomes. Key outcomes include postoperative recovery metrics such as length of stay and pulmonary complications, with eligibility limited to patients aged 20–75 without prior gastric/esophageal surgery or serious cardiorenal or respiratory disease. The trial is conducted at National Taiwan University Hospital and follows standard perioperative care pathways while measuring clinical recovery and complication rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, omitting routine NGT use could shorten hospital stays and reduce pulmonary complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
How similar studies have gone: ERAS-era trials in colorectal, gastric, and hepatic surgery have shown benefits from early NGT removal or omission, but evidence specifically for pancreaticoduodenectomy is more limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of benign or malignant disease of the biliopancreatic confluence. * Age between 20 and 75 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * previous gastric or esophageal surgery * end-stage kidney disease (creatinine clearance, \<15 mL/min/1.73m2; to convert to mL/s/m2, multiply by 0.0167) * documented chronic respiratory disease * heart failure (New York Heart Association class III or higher) * pregnancy * nursing mothers * persons under legal protection (guardianship).
Where it's running
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National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Zhongzheng District, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yu-Wen Tien, Ph.D.
- Email: ywtien5106@ntu.edu.tw
- Phone: 0972651427
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.