CompletedPhase 3

Stapler Hepatectomy for Elective Liver Resection

Germany130 participantsStarted 2010-01

Plain-language summary

There is clinical uncertainty and ongoing discussion among liver surgeons regarding the optimal method of parenchymal transection in patients undergoing elective hepatic resection. While the clamp-crushing technique still represents the reference technique for routine liver resections, transection of liver parenchyma using vascular staplers may offer a new and safe technique potentially reducing intraoperative blood loss, operation time as well as peri-operative morbidity. As morbidity of patients undergoing hepatic resection remains high, approaches to lower peri-operative complications are urgently required. Due to the lack of evidence it has to be evaluated, if the technique of stapler hepatectomy decreases intraoperative blood loss as a highly relevant predictor of peri-operative complications, patients' hospital stay and finally health care expenditures. These advantages would favor stapler hepatectomy to be applied in routine liver resections. As RCTs are generally considered to generate the most valid scientific evidence on a treatment's effects, the present trial evaluates potential benefits of stapler hepatectomy in a randomized fashion.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for elective hepatic resection * Stapler hepatectomy and clamp-crushing feasible based on preoperative imaging * Age equal or greater than 18 years * Informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Participation in concurrent intervention trials * Expected lack of compliance * Impaired mental state or language problems

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Intraoperative blood loss

Timeframe: 2.5 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01049607

SponsorNuh Rahbari

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hepatic Resection trials