Clinical Research Directory

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Perioperative Fluid Evaluation in Colorectal Cancer Surgery

This study evaluates the usefulness of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for perioperative fluid evaluation and prediction of postoperative complications in oncological patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is used to assess body fluid status and body composition before and after surgery. The study aims to determine whether perioperative BIA measurements may contribute to improved assessment of fluid balance and early identification of patients at increased risk of postoperative complications. The study is conducted at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in patients undergoing colorectal surgery for oncological indications.

Postoperative VR for Recovery After Bariatric Surgery

The objective of this study is to investigate whether the addition of immersive virtual reality (VR) in the immediate postoperative period to an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol could improve postoperative recovery from bariatric surgery.

Primary Versus Delayed Wound Closure in Complicated Appendectomy (The HIEDI-Yemen Trial)

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare primary wound closure (PC) versus delayed primary closure (DPC) after standardized wound decontamination using the High-Efficiency Incision and Drainage with Irrigation (HIEDI) technique in patients undergoing open appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in Sana'a, Yemen. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does primary closure with HIEDI result in a non-inferior or lower incidence of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) at 30 days compared with delayed primary closure with HIEDI? * Does primary closure with HIEDI reduce length of hospital stay and improve the trajectory of objective wound healing compared with delayed primary closure with HIEDI? * What is the impact of each closure method on patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life? Researchers will compare the two groups to determine the optimal, evidence-based standard of care for wound management in complicated appendicitis within a resource-limited setting. Participants will: * Undergo open appendectomy for intraoperatively confirmed complicated appendicitis (perforation or gangrene). * Receive standardized HIEDI wound decontamination (meticulous debridement and pulsatile irrigation with minimum 500 mL povidone-iodine 1:10 solution). * Be randomly allocated to either primary closure (all layers closed at surgery) or delayed primary closure (skin/subcutaneous tissue left open and closed 3-5 days later). * Attend follow-up visits at days 7, 14, and 30 for wound assessment, infection surveillance, and outcome evaluation.

POSSUM, P-POSSUM, Clinical Frailty Scale, Clinical Frailty Scale and Charlson's Comorbidity Index in Abdominal Surgery.

Abdominal surgery represents the most frequent activity in the surgical block. Advances in surgical techniques and improvements in postoperative care imply the need for greater control of the surgical outcomes obtained and the comparison of results between services with the same characteristics with the help of assessment scales. A prospective observational study will be carried out during 2021. All patients undergoing abdominal surgery will be included. Demographic variables, personal and surgical history, preoperative and intraoperative data, and variables related to surgery will be collected. At 30 days postoperatively, the clinical history of the patients will be reviewed and postoperative complications will be collected as well as the mortality that occurred. With these data, the POSSUM, the P-POSSUM, the Clinical Frailty Scale and the Charlson comorbidity index will be calculated.

Effectiveness of Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) in Preventing Hypotension in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Postoperative hypotension in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is common and linked to adverse outcomes. The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) predicts hypotensive events intraoperatively, but its PACU application is unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of HPI-guided monitoring in preventing PACU hypotension.

Postoperative Hypocalcemia After Thyroidectomy

This retrospective cohort study investigates predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy procedures at Minia University Hospital over a 10-year period (2014-2024). Postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications of thyroid surgery, affecting 20-50% of patients. The study aims to identify demographic, clinical, laboratory, and surgical factors associated with the development of both transient and permanent hypocalcemia. Results will inform risk stratification, patient counseling, and perioperative management strategies.

P-POSSUM for Outcomes After Abdominal Surgery

Postoperative complications after abdominal surgery can lead to prolonged recovery, intensive care admission, and death. The P-POSSUM score is a commonly used surgical risk prediction tool, but its performance may vary between hospitals and patient populations. Frailty, especially in older patients, may also affect postoperative outcomes and may improve risk prediction when added to existing scoring systems. This ambispective observational cohort study evaluates the prognostic value of the P-POSSUM score, with additional assessment of frailty and routine perioperative clinical data, for predicting postoperative complications and treatment outcomes in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery at Bach Mai Hospital. The study includes retrospective data from January 2025 and prospective data collection through May 2026. No intervention is assigned by the investigators. All patients receive routine perioperative care according to clinical practice. The study will assess the predictive performance of P-POSSUM for postoperative complications and mortality, and will explore whether adding frailty-related variables improves risk prediction.

Timing of Recruitment Maneuver in Robotic Prostate Surgery

Robotic prostate surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia with carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg positioning. These conditions may reduce lung volumes, impair respiratory mechanics, and increase the risk of atelectasis and postoperative pulmonary complications. Recruitment maneuvers combined with individualized positive end-expiratory pressure may improve intraoperative oxygenation and lung compliance; however, the optimal timing of recruitment maneuver application in robotic prostate surgery remains unclear. This prospective randomized study aims to compare the effects of recruitment maneuver timing on postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing elective robotic prostate surgery. Participants will be randomized into two groups. In the Supine Recruitment Group, the recruitment maneuver will be performed before carbon dioxide insufflation while the patient is in the supine position, followed by individualized PEEP determination. In the Trendelenburg Recruitment Group, the recruitment maneuver will be performed after pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg positioning, followed by individualized PEEP determination. Patients will be evaluated for postoperative pulmonary complications up to postoperative 72 hours or until discharge, whichever occurs first.

Preoperative Fasting and the Gut Microbiome Before Hip Replacement

Postoperative complications occur in 5-15% of patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), thrombosis, wound healing disorders, and metabolic dysregulation. The gut microbiome and the systemic immune profile have both been implicated as modifiable contributors to perioperative complication risk. Preoperative therapeutic fasting has been shown to remodel the gut microbiome, lower proinflammatory cytokines, and improve metabolic parameters. This single-center, prospective, randomized, two-arm controlled trial at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin investigates whether a structured 20-day preoperative fasting intervention (alternating cycles of the Buchinger Fastenbox and intermittent fasting) modulates two co-primary endpoints - plasma IL-8 (a central proinflammatory marker) and gut microbial alpha-diversity (Shannon index) - compared with standard preoperative care. Secondary endpoints include further immune markers (TNFα, IL-10, T-/B-/NK-cell subsets, activation/exhaustion markers, monocyte HLA-DR), microbiome composition and function, continuous glucose-monitoring and daily metabolic measures, patient-reported outcomes (HOOS, PROMIS-33, infection self-report), and clinical outcomes (postoperative complications per EBJIS criteria, length of stay). Adults aged 18-75 undergoing elective primary THA are stratified by metabolic status (metabolically healthy vs. metabolically unhealthy according to harmonized metabolic-syndrome criteria) and randomized 1:1 to the fasting intervention versus standard care. Stool and whole-blood samples are collected at baseline (Day -21), and at Day +7 post-operatively for shotgun-metagenomic sequencing and multiparameter flow cytometry, with additional cytokine blood samples at Day -1 and 6 h / 24 h / 72 h post-operatively. Continuous glucose monitoring is performed in all participants from Day -21 until surgery. Planned enrollment is 130 participants.

Non-Thermal Plasma to Reduce Recurrence in Chronic Subdural Hematoma

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether the adjuvant application of non-thermal plasma (NTP) during standard surgical drainage of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) can reduce the recurrence rate at 6 months. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does NTP application significantly lower the radiological and clinical recurrence rate of cSDH compared to surgery alone? * Is NTP safe when applied to the subdural space and surgical wound bed? * Does NTP improve functional outcomes and time to hematoma resolution? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: * Experimental group (n = 20): Standard burr hole drainage or craniotomy plus intraoperative NTP application over the exposed dura mater, the residual membrane, soft tissue layers, and the skin incision. * Control group (n = 20): Standard surgical drainage alone (no NTP). Follow-up includes clinical assessments and computed tomography (CT) scans at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. The primary outcome is recurrence (symptomatic reaccumulation requiring re-intervention or ≥50% volume increase on CT).

Comparison of Self-Locking Versus Traditional Sutures in Double-Layer Laparoscopic Vaginal Vault Closure After Hysterectomy (BI-SURE Trial)

Vaginal vault closure after laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy may be associated with postoperative complications such as vaginal cuff dehiscence, infection, and bleeding. The optimal suture material and technique for laparoscopic colporrhaphy, particularly in patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic malignancies, remain controversial. The BI-SURE trial is a multicenter, randomized controlled study designed to compare double-layer self-locking sutures versus double-layer traditional Polyglactin 910 sutures for laparoscopic vaginal vault closure after hysterectomy. The study aims to evaluate postoperative effectiveness and safety within three months after surgery.

Perioperative Respiratory Adverse Events in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Scoring

Cleft lip and palate surgeries present unique anesthetic challenges due to shared airway access with the surgical field, frequent anatomical abnormalities, and a predominantly infant and toddler population. These factors substantially increase the risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs), including laryngospasm, bronchospasm, desaturation, post-extubation stridor, and unanticipated re-intubation. This prospective single-center observational cohort study aims to determine the true incidence of PRAEs in pediatric patients undergoing elective cleft lip and/or palate repair under general anesthesia, and to identify independent predictive risk factors using standardized airway assessment tools including the Han Mask Ventilation Score and the Intubation Difficulty Score (IDS). No interventions beyond routine clinical practice will be applied. All airway management decisions will remain at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist.

Multidisciplinary Prehabilitation and Postoperative Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Resection of Colon Cancer

ONCOFIT is a randomized clinical trial with a two-arm parallel design aimed at determining the influence of a multidisciplinary prehabilitation + postoperative program on post-surgery complications in patients undergoing resection of colon cancer. This intervention will include supervised physical exercise, dietary behavior change, and psychological support comparing its influence to the standard care.

Prediction Model for MINS After Major Hepatobiliary Surgery

This multi-center, prospective observational study aims to develop and validate an interpretable prediction model for Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery (MINS) in patients undergoing major hepatobiliary surgery. The study adopts a nested modeling strategy, starting with baseline risk factors (e.g., RCRI) and stepwise incorporating hepatic inflow occlusion strategies (specifically comparing SPVO vs. Pringle maneuver) and routine intraoperative biomarkers. The model's performance will be evaluated using AUC, Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI), and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), followed by interpretability analysis using SHAP values and external validation in an independent cohort.

Post-Market Study of the Signia Circular Stapler With Tri-Staple Technology in Left-sided Colon, Sigmoid, and Rectal Resections

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and performance of the Signia™ power handle, Signia™ circular adapter, and Signia™ Tri-Staple™ 2.0 circular reloads (hereafter referred to as Signia™ circular stapler) in patients undergoing left sided colon, sigmoid, or rectal resections in a post market setting.

Colloid Infusion for Optimal Outcomes In Non-cardiac Surgery (COIN Trial)

Hypotension is associated with postoperative complications. Preoperative fluid infusion can effectively prevent post-induction hypotension of general anesthesia. Previous studies only focused on the hemodynamics after preoperative fluid infusion. Pre-operative fluid infusion can reduce the incidence of post-operative complications by preventing post-induction hypotension. The patients who is 18 years or older and undergo elective non-cardiac surgery with general anesthsia will be enrolled. The intervention is intravenous infusion of colloids or crytalloids before induction of general anesthesia. The primary outcome is the incidence of post-operative complications within 30 days.

Dynamic Compliance-Guided Ventilation in Lumbar Surgery

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a frequent cause of morbidity following lumbar stabilization surgery. Conventional ventilation strategies may not adequately reflect intraoperative changes in respiratory mechanics, potentially leading to impaired postoperative pulmonary function. Dynamic compliance-guided ventilation provides a real-time, individualized approach by adjusting ventilatory parameters according to lung compliance. This prospective randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of dynamic compliance-guided ventilation compared with standard ventilation strategies on postoperative pulmonary function in patients undergoing lumbar stabilization surgery. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either the compliance-guided group or the conventional ventilation group. In this study, the investigators aim to prospectively compare ventilation with the dynamic compliance (Cdyn) approach-one of the lung-protective ventilation strategies-with conventional ventilation methods in patients undergoing surgery in the prone position. The primary outcome will be evaluated using a modified lung ultrasound scoring system based on the most severely affected regions of aeration loss. Secondary objectives include the assessment of intraoperative hemodynamics, respiratory mechanics, and the effects on postoperative pulmonary function.

Assessing Timing of Enteral Feeding Support in Esophageal Cancer Patients on Muscle functTion and Survival

The surgical stress of an esophagectomy causes a detrimental impact on the physiological response of the body. In this perspective, one could question whether the current feeding regimens of starting early nutritional support at postoperative day (POD) 1 have a similar negative impact on the muscle mass as documented in critically ill patients. This study will introduce relative starvation in the early days following esophagectomy compared to the current regimen of early enteral nutritional support. The research team aims to investigate whether the negative impact on muscle mass and muscle function might be reduced, which should result in enhanced postoperative recovery. The final result of the study will be a well-documented and scientifically substantiated nutritional regimen for patients who underwent an esophagectomy for cancer.

Predictive Value of Frailty Scores and Admission Laboratory Markers for Postoperative ICU Mortality

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the predictive value of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and admission laboratory markers for postoperative mortality among geriatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery. Frailty assessment and functional status are increasingly recognized as determinants of outcomes in older adults, yet their combined predictive power with routine laboratory parameters at ICU admission remains unclear. By systematically collecting clinical scores and laboratory data at the time of ICU admission, this study seeks to identify early predictors of mortality and support risk-stratification in geriatric postoperative patients.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Split Thickness Skin Grafting to the Lower Leg After Excision of Skin Tumour: A Multicentre Randomised Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus traditional dressings on the incidence of transplant infection in adult patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) to the lower leg following excision of a skin tumour. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does NPWT reduce the incidence of transplant infection within three months after STSG? Does NPWT improve secondary outcomes such as graft take, reduce reoperations, complications, and resource use? Researchers will compare patients treated with NPWT to patients treated with traditional dressings to see if NPWT results in lower infection rates and better clinical outcomes. Participants will: Undergo excision of a skin tumour on the lower leg followed by STSG. Be randomized to receive either NPWT or traditional dressings applied over the graft. Follow a structured postoperative care and mobilisation schedule. Attend follow-up visits at day 5 and day 14 postoperatively and be monitored through medical record review up to three months after surgery.

Mechanical Ventilation in Surgical Patients

This is an investigator-initiated, international, multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study that aims to 1) describe the incidence and types of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), 2) describe patient demographics, baseline characteristics, and intraoperative ventilation management, 3) describe the occurrence of intraoperative adverse events (IAEs), and 4) their associations with PPCs, 5) assess the practice of intraoperative mechanical ventilation. Patients will be eligible for participation if: 1) adult and 2) receiving intraoperative ventilation during general anesthesia for surgery. Patients receiving ventilation outside of an operating room as well as patients receiving intraoperative ventilation during extracorporeal life support will be excluded

Preoperative Immunonutrition in Patients With Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas

This study will evaluate whether a short nutritional intervention before surgery can improve recovery in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Patients with these tumors often have a higher risk of poor nutrition and loss of muscle mass. These problems may increase the risk of complications after major orthopedic surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive a special oral nutritional supplement twice daily before surgery, in addition to standard care. The other group will receive standard care without the preoperative nutritional supplement. The main aim of the study is to compare the rate of clinically relevant postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery. The study will also evaluate changes in muscle mass on CT scans, blood markers of nutrition and inflammation, nutritional risk, functional status, length of hospital stay, and tolerance of the nutritional supplement.

Air-Q and Proseal Laryngeal Mask in Elderly Patients

Aged- related changes in upper airway anatomy may affect the overall performance of supraglottic airways significantly. In this study, investigator aim to compare the clinical performance, efficacy, and associated complications of the Proseal Laryngeal Mask and the Air-Q Intubation Laryngeal Airway in elderly patients.

Effect of Different Anesthetic Techniques for Isolated Systolic Hypertensive Patients of Abdominal Surgery on Postoperative Hospital Stay and Morbidity

In General anesthesia, two main ways of pain control are used intra-operatively, one is opioids, the other is epidural. Many colleges prefer using epidural analgesia because it is potent and more effective , and also the benefits of stress block, less depression of breath. however, the epidural technique often causes more drop of blood pressure, especially in dehydrated patients. The investigators designed the trial to see if the benefit weigh out the potential risk of epidural in isolated hypertensive patients.