Clinical Trials

Overview

About this study

The aim of this pragmatic, randomized trial is to compare clinical outcomes between patients undergoing immediate endoscopic necrosectomy (direct endoscopic necrosectomy) compared to step-up endoscopic interventions in patients undergoing endoscopic therapy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis has an annual incidence of 13-45 cases per 100,000 persons and is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders requiring hospitalization worldwide. It leads to over a quarter of a million hospital admissions annually in the United States, and inpatient costs exceeding 2.5 billion US dollars. Pancreatic necrosis occurs as a consequence of severe acute pancreatitis in approximately 20% of patients. It can mature into a contained necrotic collection, typically four weeks into the disease course. With intense conservative management, including nutritional and intensive care support when required, the collection may resolve without intervention. However, a persistent collection with pain, gastric outlet, intestinal or biliary obstruction, new-onset or persisting organ failure, persistent unwellness or infection is associated with a mortality of 15-20%, and requires necrosectomy and drainage. Without intervention, infected necrosis ultimately leads to death in nearly every patient.

Recently, there has been a shift away from surgical debridement (necrosectomy) towards minimally-invasive endoscopic methods in the treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis. Endoscopic management involves creation of a fistula between the enteric wall and necrotic collection under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound [EUS] with subsequent placement of a stent to allow drainage of the necrotic material. Endoscopic transenteral drainage of necrotic collection is associated with favorable outcomes, with treatment success rates reported in the range of 45-70%. Endoscopic necrosectomy, with the additional technique of extraction of necrotic material under direct endoscopic visualization has increased rates of treatment success to greater than 80%.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

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