Tracheal exposure without full tracheostomy in robotic surgery for throat cancer

Tracheal Exposure Without Tracheostomy Completion : a New Protocol for Airway Management in Trans-oral Robotic Oncologic Surgery

Observational Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer · NCT06857396

This study is testing a new way to prepare for a tracheostomy during throat cancer surgery to see if it can lower complications while still keeping patients safe.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toulon, Var)
Trial IDNCT06857396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study examines a technique called PREPA-TRACH, which involves preparing for a tracheostomy during trans-oral robotic surgery for upper aerodigestive tract neoplasms without completing the procedure unless necessary. The aim is to reduce the complications associated with traditional tracheostomy, such as swallowing disorders and pulmonary infections, while still providing a safety net for patients at risk of respiratory distress. The study will analyze data from patients treated at Sainte Musse Hospital over the past decade to assess the reliability and safety of this approach and to establish criteria for when tracheostomy is needed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients (18 years and older) undergoing trans-oral robotic surgery for upper airway and digestive tract carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients who require immediate complete laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy, or those who oppose the procedure, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the complications and psychological distress associated with unnecessary tracheostomy in patients undergoing throat cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar studies have indicated the potential for reducing complications associated with traditional tracheostomy methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (≥ 18 years)
* All patients managed for an upper airway and digestive tract carcinoma with trans-oral robotic surgery, with tracheal exposure performed during the surgical procedure without immediate tracheostomy completion.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with immediate complete laryngectomy or complete pharyngolaryngectomy
* Patient opposition
* Patient under legal guardianship

Where this trial is running

Toulon, Var

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 Upper Aerodigestive Tract NeoplasmsTracheostomyUpper aerodigestive tract neoplasmsRobotic-assisted surgeryUnnecessary surgerySurgery complications
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.