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Care after pancreatic resection according to an algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive management of pancreatic fistula versus current practice (PORSCH-trial): design and rationale of a nationwide stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial

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Abstract

Abstract Background Pancreatic resection is a major abdominal operation with 50% risk of postoperative complications. A common complication is pancreatic fistula, which may have severe clinical consequences such as postoperative bleeding, organ-failure and death. The objective of this study is to investigate whether implementation of an algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive management of pancreatic fistula may improve outcomes after pancreatic resection. Methods This is a nationwide stepped-wedge, cluster randomized, superiority trial, designed in adherence to the CONSORT guidelines. During a period of 22 months, all Dutch centers performing pancreatic surgery will cross over in a randomized order from current practice to best practice according to the algorithm. This evidence- and consensus based algorithm will provide daily multilevel advice on the management of patients after pancreatic resection (i.e. indication for abdominal imaging, antibiotic treatment, percutaneous drainage and removal of abdominal drains). The algorithm is designed to aid early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Outcomes of current practice will be compared with outcomes after implementation of the algorithm. The primary outcome is a composite of major complications (i.e. postpancreatectomy bleeding, new-onset organ failure and death) and will be measured in a sample size of at least 1600 patients undergoing pancreatic resection. Secondary endpoints include the individual components of the primary endpoint and other clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization and costs analysis. Follow-up will be up to 90 days after pancreatic resection. Discussion It is hypothesized that a structured nationwide implementation of a dedicated algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula will reduce the risk of major complications and death after pancreatic resection, as compared to current practice.

Authors 31

  1. University Medical Center Utrecht

    Affiliation as printed

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

  2. University Medical Center Utrecht

    Affiliation as printed

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

  3. Erasmus MC

    Affiliation as printed

    Erasmus MC

  4. Amsterdam University Medical Centers

    Affiliation as printed

    Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

  5. Amsterdam University Medical Centers

    Affiliation as printed

    Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

  6. Radboud University Medical Center

    Affiliation as printed

    Radboudumc

  7. St. Antonius Ziekenhuis · Antonius Ziekenhuis

    Affiliation as printed

    Sint Antonius Ziekenhuis

  8. Amsterdam University Medical Centers

    Affiliation as printed

    Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

  9. St. Antonius Ziekenhuis · Antonius Ziekenhuis

    Affiliation as printed

    Sint Antonius Ziekenhuis

  10. Maastricht University Medical Centre

    Affiliation as printed

    Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+

  11. Amsterdam University Medical Centers

    Affiliation as printed

    Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

  12. Erasmus MC

    Affiliation as printed

    Erasmus MC

  13. Leiden University Medical Center

    Affiliation as printed

    Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum

  14. University Medical Center Utrecht

    Affiliation as printed

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

  15. Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis

    Affiliation as printed

    Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis

  16. Maastricht University Medical Centre

    Affiliation as printed

    Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+

  17. Leiden University Medical Center · Maastricht University Medical Centre · University Medical Center Utrecht · OLVG · Amsterdam University Medical Centers

    Affiliation as printed

    OLVG

    Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

    Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra OR Busch

    Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum IHM Borel Rinkes Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

    Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum+ KP van Lienden Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

    OM van Delden Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

  18. Erasmus MC

    Affiliation as printed

    Erasmus MC

  19. Maasstad Ziekenhuis

    Affiliation as printed

    Maasstad Ziekenhuis

  20. Catharina Ziekenhuis

    Affiliation as printed

    Catharina Ziekenhuis

  21. Amsterdam University Medical Centers

    Affiliation as printed

    Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra

  22. Medisch Spectrum Twente

    Affiliation as printed

    Medisch Spectrum Twente

  23. Radboud University Medical Center

    Affiliation as printed

    Radboudumc

  24. University Medical Center Groningen

    Affiliation as printed

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen

  25. Isala

    Affiliation as printed

    Isala

  26. Reinier de Graaf Hospital

    Affiliation as printed

    Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis

  27. Amphia Ziekenhuis

    Affiliation as printed

    Amphia Ziekenhuis

  28. Tjongerschans

    Affiliation as printed

    Tjongerschans

  29. Utrecht University

    Affiliation as printed

    Universiteit Utrecht

  30. University Medical Center Utrecht

    Affiliation as printed

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

  31. University Medical Center Utrecht

    Affiliation as printed

    Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

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References 32