In short
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating nutritional support for patients who have undergone major emergency abdominal surgery, a condition often associated with intestinal obstruction. This trial is examining the optimal timing of supplementary nutrition to reduce infection risk and support recovery after emergency surgery.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Early vs. Delayed Supplementary Parenteral Nutrition with SmofKabiven for Patients After Major Emergency Abdominal Surgery
This clinical trial is being conducted in Denmark and focuses on patients who have undergone major emergency abdominal surgery. The study aims to determine the best timing for providing additional nutrition support directly into the bloodstream, a method called supplementary parenteral nutrition.
Main focus and goal: The primary purpose of this study is to compare whether starting supplementary parenteral nutrition early after surgery versus postponing it has an impact on the risk of infections that patients may develop during their hospital stay. Researchers will also monitor other important outcomes including complication rates, length of hospital stay, and recovery at 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery. The study tracks how much energy and protein patients receive during their recovery to understand which approach best supports healing.
Who can participate (inclusion criteria): To join this trial, you must be at least 18 years old and have undergone a primary emergency midline laparotomy, which is a type of major abdominal surgery performed through a vertical incision in the middle of the abdomen. You need to have a nutritional risk score less than 7 before surgery and no medical reasons preventing you from eating or receiving tube feeding after the operation. Importantly, you must be taking in less than 30% of your recommended daily calories by the second day after surgery, indicating that you need additional nutritional support.
Who cannot participate (exclusion criteria): You cannot join this study if you have not had major emergency abdominal surgery or if you are outside the specified age range. Patients who belong to other clinical trial groups not included in this research or who are considered part of vulnerable populations requiring special protection are also excluded from participation.
Investigational treatment: The study uses SmofKabiven and SmofKabiven Perifer, which are nutritional emulsions given through an intravenous infusion. These products contain a carefully balanced mix of essential nutrients including amino acids (protein building blocks), oils (fats), and minerals that the body needs to heal and recover after surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either early supplementary parenteral nutrition (starting shortly after surgery) or delayed supplementary parenteral nutrition (starting later in the recovery process). Some participants may receive a placebo for comparison purposes. This nutritional support bypasses the digestive system entirely, delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream to ensure patients receive adequate nourishment when they cannot eat normally.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial addressing nutritional support for patients recovering from major emergency abdominal surgery related to intestinal obstruction. This trial is taking place in Denmark and focuses specifically on the timing of supplementary parenteral nutrition using SmofKabiven products. The research addresses an important clinical question: whether early or delayed nutritional support better protects patients from hospital-acquired infections and supports overall recovery. This study is particularly relevant for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through normal eating or tube feeding in the critical days following emergency abdominal surgery.
