Using high dose insulin to reduce infections after major abdominal surgery

Effect of Hyperinsulinemic Normoglycemic Clamp (HINC) on Infectious Complications Following Major Abdominal Surgery. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT01528189

This study is testing if using high doses of insulin can help prevent infections after major abdominal surgeries for adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment460 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Montreal, Quebec and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT01528189 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether maintaining normoglycemia through a hyperinsulinemic-normoglycemic clamp can reduce the incidence of surgical site infections in patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries, such as liver and pancreatic procedures. The study involves adult patients scheduled for elective surgeries at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada. Participants will be randomized to receive either the insulin clamp treatment or standard glucose management, with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of this approach in preventing postoperative infections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old scheduled for elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs or hepatobiliary surgeries.

Not a fit: Patients with current wound infections, recent surgeries at the same site, or allergies to insulin may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower the rates of surgical site infections, improving recovery outcomes for patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using insulin to manage blood glucose levels is established, the specific application of this method to reduce surgical site infections is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \> 18 years old
* elective liver, pancreatic or colorectal surgery
* ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec and 2 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 Surgical Site Infection After Major SurgeryInsulin, surgery, infection
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.