Could a common gut drug help you heal faster after surgery?

NCT ID NCT02425774

Completed Disease control Sponsor: KU Leuven Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether giving prucalopride, a drug used for constipation, before surgery could reduce inflammation and help people recover faster after pancreatic surgery. The idea is that prucalopride might mimic nerve stimulation that calms the immune system. The trial involved 31 adults having part or all of their pancreas removed. Researchers measured inflammation in tissues and blood, and tracked how quickly patients passed gas, ate, and had bowel movements.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Prucalopride
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple drug treatment to help people recover faster after abdominal surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 31 people, so results may not apply widely. The drug may not reduce inflammation or speed recovery as hoped.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

paralytic ileus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POSTOPERATIVE ILEUS

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University hospitals Leuven

Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, 3000, Belgium

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