Which pancreas operation is safer? swiss data put two surgeries head to head
NCT ID NCT07831694
First seen Sep 21, 2026 · Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Summary
Researchers compare two operations for pancreatic tumors: partial removal of the pancreas and duodenum versus total removal of the pancreas. They analyze anonymized hospital records from 2013 to 2022 for about 3,600 adults in Switzerland. The study asks whether total removal is linked to higher in-hospital death rates and whether complications and rescue after major complications differ between the procedures. Statistical matching helps reduce bias when comparing the two groups.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If one operation proves safer, surgeons could use that evidence to choose the less risky procedure for patients with pancreatic tumors.
- What could go wrong
- This is a retrospective study of existing records, so it can show associations but not prove cause and effect. The findings may not apply to hospitals or patients outside Switzerland.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
3,602 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jan 2013
- Finished
-
Mar 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The study population comprises adults aged 20 years or older who underwent elective partial pancreatoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy for a pancreatic or periampullary neoplasm at a Swiss hospital between 2013 and 2022. Patients undergoing emergency surgery, those with incomplete records, and those undergoing additional pancreatic resections were excluded. The study is based exclusively on anonymised data from the Swiss national inpatient database.
- Ages
-
20 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * patients \>20 years * peripancreatic / pancreatic neoplasm * total pancreatectomy or partial duodenopancreatectomy Exclusion Criteria: * patients \<20 years * emergency admission * other pancreatic surgery * other disease than peripancreatic neoplasm * incomplete documentation
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Pancreas neoplasm are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a vast image library unlock better pancreatic diagnoses?
- Could a simple blood test catch pancreatic cancer before It's too late?
- Scientists hunt for clues to prevent a common complication after pancreatic cancer surgery
- Gut bacteria may forecast surgery risks in pancreatic cancer patients
- Pancreas surgery breakthrough: could skipping drains be safer?
- New cancer drug trial halted early – what we know