Using a pancreatic stent before surgery to prevent complications after distal pancreatectomy

Preoperative Endoscopic Pancreatic Stent to Prevent Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05297136

This study is testing if placing a stent in the pancreas before surgery can help prevent complications after a specific type of pancreatic surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05297136 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of preoperative pancreatic duct stenting in preventing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) following distal pancreatectomy, with or without splenectomy. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either a pancreatic stent placed 1-2 weeks before surgery or to undergo surgery without the stent. The study will compare the rates of POPF, morbidity, mortality, and total length of hospital stay between the two groups. The stent will be removed four weeks after the operation, allowing for a thorough assessment of its impact on recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for elective distal pancreatectomy due to primary pancreatic conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those requiring emergency distal pancreatectomy or those with conditions that complicate the procedure, such as pancreatic duct stricture or altered anatomy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula, improving recovery outcomes for patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of pancreatic stenting is a recognized technique, this specific approach in a randomized controlled trial setting is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years
* Elective distal pancreatectomy for primary pancreatic pathology

Exclusion Criteria:

* Informed consent not available
* Emergency distal pancreatectomy
* Presence of pancreatic duct stricture
* Presence of altered anatomy that precludes safe Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography (e.g. previous Billroth II gastrectomy)
* History of severe pancreatitis

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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: Pancreatectomy, Pancreatic Fistula, Distal Pancreatectomy

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.