Using CO2 Insufflation During Laparoscopy to Treat Premature Infants with Severe Intestinal Inflammation

Study of the Influence of Intraperitoneal Insufflation of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) by Laparoscopy on the Short-term Evolution of Premature Infants With Ulcerative Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Not applicable Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT05882448

This study is testing if a combination of two types of surgery can help premature infants with severe intestinal inflammation feel better and recover more effectively than just one type of surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment54 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Paris and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05882448 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial evaluates the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery combined with laparotomy in treating premature infants suffering from ulcerative necrotizing enterocolitis (ECUN). The study involves a multicenter randomized controlled design where infants are assigned to either receive both laparoscopic and laparotomy procedures or laparotomy alone. The primary focus is on measuring the inflammatory response through blood C-reactive protein levels post-surgery. Secondary objectives include assessing various postoperative outcomes such as mortality, bowel morbidity, and neurological impacts.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are premature newborns under 37 weeks of gestation diagnosed with complicated ECUN requiring surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with isolated small intestine perforation or those unstable for surgery will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce inflammation and improve recovery outcomes for premature infants with ECUN.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of CO2 insufflation in this context is novel, similar approaches in managing inflammation during surgery have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Premature newborn (term of birth: \<37 weeks of amenorrhea)
* Diagnosis of ECUN by the surgeon (distension abdominal +/- rectal bleeding +/- green gastric residue, increased biological inflammatory syndrome, + pneumatosis on abdominal radiography)
* Hospitalized and complicated ECUN: presenting either a pneumoperitoneum on abdominal X-ray or a absence of clinical and biological improvement after 48 hours of maximum well-conducted medical treatment (IV antibiotic therapy and digestive rest).
* Hospitalized in the 2 participating centers
* Of which the 2 holders of parental authority have been informed and have signed the consent form
* Having social security coverage (social security or CMU)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Instability contraindicating movement to the operating room or contraindicating CO2 insufflation
* Diagnosis of isolated perforation of the small intestine (radiography:

pneumoperitoneum without pneumatosis)

Where this trial is running

Paris and 1 other locations

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 Preterm BirthEnterocolitis, Necrotizing
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.