Robot surgeons take on pancreatic cancer in major trial

NCT ID NCT04400357

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

Summary

This study compared robotic-assisted pancreatic surgery to the standard open approach for people with pancreatic and related tumors. Researchers wanted to see if robotic surgery could help patients recover faster after the operation. A total of 268 patients took part across multiple hospitals, and the main focus was on how quickly they regained normal function like eating, walking, and pain control.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Robotic-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy (surgical procedure)

What this could lead to

If robotic surgery proves as safe and effective as open surgery, it could offer patients a less invasive option with faster recovery after pancreatic tumor removal.

What could go wrong

This is a completed phase 3 trial, but non-inferiority means it only aims to show robotic surgery is not worse than open surgery, not that it is better. Results may not apply to all patients or settings.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

ampulla of vater adenocarcinoma cholangiocarcinoma chronic pancreatitis duodenal adenocarcinoma extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma pancreatic adenocarcinoma Pancreatic Cyst pancreatic neoplasm pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor Recurrence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Ruijin Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200025, China