Steroid flash before colon surgery: a shot at fewer complications?
NCT ID NCT03437746
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving a single high dose of the steroid methylprednisolone just before colorectal surgery could lower the risk of serious complications, especially infections. The trial planned to enroll 78 adults having elective colorectal surgery, but it was terminated early, so the results are not conclusive. The idea was to calm the body's inflammatory response to surgery, which might help prevent infections and speed recovery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid)
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, this could point toward a simple way to lower infection risk after colorectal surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, early pilot study that was terminated, so we don't have clear evidence it works. Steroids can also have side effects like increased infection risk.
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
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
78 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Mar 2018
- Finished
-
Nov 2021
- 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.
- Ages
-
18 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: * Adult patient * Patient undergoing elective colorectal surgery (diverticulitis, malignant or benign tumor, inflammatory intestinal disease, re-establishing continuity, endometriosis, or other) * Bowel continuity is restored immediately after surgery, with or without a protective stoma. * Patient with proper understanding who has been informed about the study, and who has consented to being part of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Adult under guardianship * Patient who is not covered under the national health system * Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding * Colorectal resection with concomitant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy * Patient under long term corticosteroid therapy * Preoperative natremia \> 147 mmol/L * Hypokalemia (\< 3,3 mmol/L) * Patient with a contraindication to Methylprednisolone Mylan® : * Active infection * Active viral disease (namely hepatitis, herpes, varicella, shingles), * A psychotic condition that is not currently treated with medication, * Vaccination with a live vaccine or live attenuated within the last 3 months, * Hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or to any of the excipients found in Methylprednisolone Mylan®
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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CHU Dijon Bourgogne
Dijon, 21000, France
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