Using fingertip CRP point-of-care tests to spot leaks after elective colorectal surgery

CRP Point-of-care Testing Trajectory, a Predictive Factor for Anastomotic Leak in Elective Colorectal Surgery? A Key to Early Rehabilitation?

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens · NCT07464600

This project will see if daily fingertip CRP point-of-care tests can detect anastomotic leaks early in people having elective colorectal surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens Academic / other
Locations1 site (Amiens)
Trial IDNCT07464600 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional protocol tracks postoperative CRP measured by fingertip point-of-care testing from day 1 to day 5 after elective colorectal surgery and compares the day-to-day CRP trajectory with clinical outcomes. Participants will have small blood samples taken from a fingertip for rapid CRP measurement and will undergo abdomino-pelvic CT scanning if clinically indicated. The main aim is to determine whether the POCT CRP trajectory predicts anastomotic leak earlier than standard clinical signs, potentially reducing delay to diagnosis. Patients without an anastomosis, emergency cases, minors, pregnant or breastfeeding people, and those under guardianship are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery with an anastomosis (open, laparoscopic, or robotic), who can consent and attend postoperative fingertip sampling, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients without an anastomosis, those having urgent or emergency surgery, minors, pregnant or breastfeeding people, and those unable to consent are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, fingertip CRP point-of-care monitoring could enable earlier detection of anastomotic leaks, which may reduce complications and shorten hospital recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows that postoperative CRP levels and their day-to-day changes correlate with anastomotic leak risk, and CRP point-of-care testing is established in other fields, but applying fingertip POCT specifically for early postoperative leak detection is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing elective (non-emergency) colorectal surgery, regardless of the approach (laparotomy, laparoscopy, robotic) and whether there is a protective ileostomy.

Exclusion Criteria:

* No anastomosis
* Urgent surgery
* Pregnancy or breast-feeding
* Patients under guardianship or trusteeship
* Minor patients

Where this trial is running

Amiens

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 Colorectal SurgeryEnhanced RecoveryCRP Point-of-care Testing TrajectoryPost-operative ComplicationAnastomotic Leakcolorectal surgeryenhanced recoveryCRP point-of-care testing trajectory
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.