Drain or no drain? landmark trial settles debate after rectal cancer surgery

NCT ID NCT01269567

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Bordeaux Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether placing a temporary drain in the pelvis after rectal cancer surgery reduces the risk of serious infections like leaks or abscesses. About 500 patients were randomly assigned to receive a drain or not. The main goal was to see if drainage lowered pelvic sepsis within 30 days after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: pelvic drain (a tube placed during surgery to collect fluid)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could confirm that routine drainage after rectal cancer surgery reduces dangerous pelvic infections, improving recovery.
What could go wrong: This trial is completed, but results may not apply to all patients or hospitals. Drains can cause discomfort or rare complications.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal neoplasm Digestive System Diseases digestive system disorder digestive system neoplasm Digestive System Neoplasms intestinal cancer intestinal disorder Neoplasms by Site rectal disorder rectum adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MULTICENTER STUDY PELVIC DRAINAGE RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL RECTAL CANCER SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

APHP- Saint Joseph

Paris, 75014, France
APHP-Kremlin Bicetre

Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94275, France
CH de BEAUVAIS

Beauvais, 60021, France
CHRU Lille

Lille, 59037, France
CHRU de Strasbourg

Strasbourg, 67000, France
CHU Poitiers

Poitiers, France
CHU d'AMIENS

Amiens, 80054, France
Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud

Lyon, 69495, France
Département de Chirurgie Oncologique - CRLC Val d'Aurelle

Montpellier, 34298, France
Département de Chirurgie Oncologique - Centre Oscar Lambret

Lille, 59020, France
Département de Chirurgie Oncologique - Institut Paoli Calmette

Marseille, 13009, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive - CHU Charles Nicolle

Rouen, 76031, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive - CHU de Nantes - Hôtel Dieu

Nantes, 44093, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital A. Michallon

La Tronche, 38700, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital Purpan - Pavillon Dieulafoy

Toulouse, 31059, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital Saint-André - CHU de Bordeaux

Bordeaux, 33075, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital des Diaconnesses - La Croix Saint-Simon

Paris, 75020, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Générale - Brabois

Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54511, France
Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Viscérale - CHU Timone

Marseille, 13385, France
Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive - Hôpital Beaujon

Clichy, 92110, France
Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive - Hôpital Saint-Antoine

Paris, 75012, France
Service de Chirurgie Viscérale - CHU Pontchaillou

Rennes, 35033, France

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