Impact of Polymeric Formula on Outcomes in Robotic Pancreatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Evidence regarding the benefits of nutritional therapy after robotic pancreatectomy is limited. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a polymeric formula (PF) on preventing body weight loss (BWL) following robotic pancreatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center, open-label, randomized trial was conducted to assign 46 patients undergoing robotic pancreatectomy in a 1:1 ratio to either the PF (ISOCAL Clear) or control group. The primary endpoint was the percentage of BWL on postoperative days 14 and 28. The secondary endpoints were postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 52 eligible patients between December 2023 and November 2024, 46 were analyzed using intention-to-treat principles: 23 in the ISOCAL group and 23 in the control group. The %BWL was significantly lower in the ISOCAL group compared with that in the control group on postoperative days 14 (4.8±3.5% vs. 6.6±3.2%, p=0.02) and 28 (6.4±3.0% vs. 8.4±3.5%, p=0.047). Postoperative outcomes, including major complications (p=0.55) and hospital stay (p=0.83), did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of administering PF to patients undergoing robotic pancreatectomy. The results showed the beneficial effects of PF on mitigating BWL without compromising short-term outcomes.