CompletedNot Applicable

Impact of Preserving Versus Ligating the Right Gastric Artery on Anastomotic Outcomes After McKeown Esophagectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

China120 participantsStarted 2018-06-01

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of preserving versus ligating the Right Gastric Artery (RGA) on postoperative anastomotic complications in patients undergoing McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Specifically, the study compares the incidence of anastomotic leakage and stenosis between two groups of patients reconstructed with a 3cm-wide gastric conduit.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 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: * Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the middle or upper thoracic esophagus. * Candidates for elective McKeown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). * Age 18-75 years. * Preoperative clinical stage I-IIIA (cT1-3N0-1M0) according to the AJCC/UICC 8th Edition TNM staging system. Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical stage IIIB or IV. * History of previous thoracic or abdominal surgery affecting the stomach or esophagus. * Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (to eliminate confounding effects on tissue healing). * Severe comorbidities (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, liver cirrhosis). * Intraoperative finding of unresectable tumor. * Conversion to open surgery.

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

Incidence of Cervical Anastomotic Leakage

Timeframe: Up to 30 days postoperatively

Incidence of Anastomotic Stenosis (Early)

Timeframe: 2 months postoperatively

Incidence of Anastomotic Stenosis (Late)

Timeframe: 4 months postoperatively

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07363629

SponsorThe First Hospital of Hebei Medical University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-07-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma trials