Drain or no drain? landmark trial settles debate after rectal cancer surgery
NCT ID NCT01269567
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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APHP- Saint Joseph
Paris, 75014, France
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APHP-Kremlin Bicetre
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94275, France
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CH de BEAUVAIS
Beauvais, 60021, France
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CHRU Lille
Lille, 59037, France
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CHRU de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, 67000, France
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CHU Poitiers
Poitiers, France
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CHU d'AMIENS
Amiens, 80054, France
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Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud
Lyon, 69495, France
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Département de Chirurgie Oncologique - CRLC Val d'Aurelle
Montpellier, 34298, France
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Département de Chirurgie Oncologique - Centre Oscar Lambret
Lille, 59020, France
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Département de Chirurgie Oncologique - Institut Paoli Calmette
Marseille, 13009, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive - CHU Charles Nicolle
Rouen, 76031, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive - CHU de Nantes - Hôtel Dieu
Nantes, 44093, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital A. Michallon
La Tronche, 38700, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital Purpan - Pavillon Dieulafoy
Toulouse, 31059, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital Saint-André - CHU de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, 33075, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive - Hôpital des Diaconnesses - La Croix Saint-Simon
Paris, 75020, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Générale - Brabois
Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54511, France
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Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Viscérale - CHU Timone
Marseille, 13385, France
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Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive - Hôpital Beaujon
Clichy, 92110, France
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Service de Chirurgie Générale et Digestive - Hôpital Saint-Antoine
Paris, 75012, France
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Service de Chirurgie Viscérale - CHU Pontchaillou
Rennes, 35033, France