Surgery vs Stent Treatment for Reduced Blood Flow to the Gut
For people with: Chronic Mesenteric Ischaemia
About this trial
This trial is for people who get pain after eating because of reduced blood flow to their bowel. We are comparing an operation with a less invasive stent procedure to find out which approach helps patients recover better and reduces symptoms.
What would I need to do?
If you take part, you will be randomly assigned to either an open operation or a keyhole stent procedure to improve the blood supply to your bowel. You will have follow-up appointments at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. At each visit the team will ask about your symptoms and may arrange blood tests or a scan.
You will be seen at 1 month after your procedure to check your recovery and symptoms. At 3 months, you will have a clinic review and blood tests. At 6 and 12 months, you will have a CT scan to check the blood flow to your bowel, along with a clinic visit and blood tests. Your weight will be checked at every visit.
Could I take part?
You may be eligible if you have been diagnosed with reduced blood flow to your gut (chronic mesenteric ischaemia) and experience pain after eating or unexplained weight loss. Your doctor will confirm your diagnosis with a scan before discussing the trial with you.
Age range: 18 to 80 years
What are the risks and benefits?
The open operation is a bigger procedure with a longer recovery but may give more durable results. The stent procedure is less invasive and has a shorter recovery, but the stent may narrow again over time. Both carry risks of bleeding, infection, and (rarely) bowel damage. By taking part you will receive close monitoring of your condition and help improve treatment for future patients.
Common questions
Interested in taking part?
Contact the research team to find out more about this trial and whether it might be right for you.
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