The PHARO Trial: The Incidence of Para-conduit Hernia With Closure of Hiatus Versus the Standard Approach in Robotic Oesophagectomy - A Randomised Controlled Pilot Trial

Para-conduit hernia is a recognised complication following minimally invasive and robotic oesophagectomy. It may present as an incidental radiological finding or as a symptomatic hernia requiring urgent surgical intervention. There is currently no standardised approach to hiatal management during robotic oesophagectomy. The PHARO trial is a single-centre, randomised controlled pilot study evaluating whether routine hiatal closure with omentopexy and thoracic fixation of the left crus reduces the incidence of para-conduit hernia compared to the standard approach of no closure or partial closure. Eligible patients undergoing robotic oesophagectomy for non-metastatic oesophageal cancer at Beaumont Hospital will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to: Standard hiatal management (no closure or partial closure), or Hiatal closure with omentopexy and thoracic fixation of the left crus. Participants will undergo routine postoperative clinical and radiological surveillance. The primary outcome is the incidence of para-conduit hernia within one year following surgery. Secondary outcomes include dysphagia scores, patient-reported outcomes, and 30-day postoperative morbidity. This pilot study will enrol 40 participants (20 per group) to inform feasibility and future multi-centre expansion.

This description comes directly from the study's public registry record.

Prof Jarlath Bolger  ·  +35318093000  ·  jarbolger@rcsi.com

Always discuss trial participation with your own doctor first.

Get one email when the public record changes — results posted, or the study's status changes. Nothing else, ever.

We email about this public record only. Unsubscribe anytime with one click. Never medical advice.