Perioperative Epidural Block and Dexamethasone in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Launched by PEKING UNIVERSITY FIRST HOSPITAL · Jul 17, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how two treatments, an epidural block and a medication called dexamethasone, may affect long-term survival for patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. The epidural block is a type of anesthesia that can help manage pain after surgery, while dexamethasone is a steroid that can reduce inflammation. The goal is to see if these treatments can improve outcomes for patients who are having surgery for pancreatic cancer, which is known to have a low survival rate.

To participate in the trial, patients need to be between 45 and 90 years old and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that can be surgically removed. They must agree to receive the epidural block for pain management and be willing to take part in the study. While the trial is currently recruiting participants, those with certain medical conditions, such as severe liver or kidney issues, or a history of other cancers, may not be eligible. If you join this study, you can expect to receive either the epidural block, dexamethasone, or both during your surgery and to be monitored for your recovery and survival over time.

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age ≥45 and \<90 years;
• • 2. Clinically diagnosed as resectable or possibly resectable pancreatic cancer and scheduled to undergo radical surgery;
• • 3. Agreed to receive epidural block and postoperative patient-controlled analgesia;
• • 4. Agreed to participate in the study and provided written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Clinical evidence of unresectable pancreatic cancer or plan to undergo biopsy;
• • 2. Previous surgery for pancreatic cancer, scheduled to undergo resurgery for recurrence or metastasis;
• • 3. Complicated with primary malignant tumor in other organ(s), either previously or at present;
• • 4. Complicated with autoimmune diseases, receiving either glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressants before surgery;
• • 5. Unable to complete preoperative evaluation due to severe dementia, language barrier, coma, or end-stage diseases;
• • 6. Severe hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh C), severe renal insufficiency (serum creatinine \>442 µmol/L or requirement of renal replacement therapy), or American Society of Anesthesiologists classification ≥V；
• • 7. Contradictions to epidural anesthesia, including spinal malformation, history of spinal surgery, coagulation disorder, suspected infection at the site of puncture, or severe low back pain;
• • 8. Other conditions that are considered unsuitable for study participation;
• • 9. Refused to participate in the study.