Robotic scalpel vs Surgeon's hand: which is safer for pancreatic cancer surgery?
NCT ID NCT06981273
First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares robotic-assisted surgery to traditional open surgery for removing pancreatic tumors (pancreatoduodenectomy). About 120 adults who need this operation will be randomly assigned to one of the two techniques. The main goal is to see which approach causes fewer complications within 90 days after surgery. Researchers will also track recovery time, quality of life, and costs. The findings could help surgeons choose the best method for future patients.
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 surgery
- What this could lead to
- If robotic surgery proves safer or more effective, it could become the preferred approach for pancreatic tumor removal, potentially reducing complications and speeding recovery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (120 patients) and results may not apply to all hospitals or patient groups. Robotic surgery also carries risks like longer operation time and possible conversion to open surgery.
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.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: * Age 18 years or older. * Patients requiring planned pancreatoduodenectomy (robotic or open). * Signed informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who refuse the procedure. * Uncertainty about vascular involvement that could affect resectability. * Poor general health status (American Society of Anesthesiologists \[ASA\] classification IV). * Pancreatitis
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hospital del Mar
RECRUITINGBarcelona, Spain
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