Anastomotic Leakage Prevention by Endovascular Stenting of the Superior Mesenteric Artery

Rationale: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication of colon surgery, with an incidence of 2.7-11.9%. It is associated with long-term increased mortality, reduced quality of life, and high healthcare costs due to reoperations and prolonged hospitalization. Among colon cancer patients, 5-year survival rates are 70% for those with AL compared to 81% for those without. A retrospective case-control study identified a \>50% stenosis of the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) as a significant risk factor, increasing AL odds by six times (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 2.7-12.6, p \< .001). Primary objective: The ALPrES2MA study aims to evaluate whether preventive endovascular stenting of a \>50% stenosed SMA origin reduces the risk of AL following colon surgery. Secondary objectives: Classification of severity of AL, incidence of delayed AL (\>90 days), Mesenteric Artery Calcification Score (MACS), surgical complications, hospital (re)admissions, Quality of life (including health related quality of life), healthcare and societal costs, cost-effectiveness (expressed as incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year gained), and budget impact. Additionally, the added value of quantitative fluorescence angiography (qFA) in predicting AL during surgery, in hospitals with suitable equipment and experience, will be explored. This will enhance surgeons' capabilities in preventing AL. Study design: Nationwide multicentre randomized controlled trail with a 1:1 fashion Study population: Patients, 40 years and over, in the participating hospitals in the Netherlands with a \>50% SMA origin stenosis scheduled for elective colorectal resection with a primary anastomosis for malignant or benign colorectal pathology. Intervention: Intervention group will undergo preventive percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and endovascular covered stenting of the SMA, within preferably two weeks prior to the colon resection. Control group will not undergo PTA and endovascular stenting of the \>50% SMA stenosis prior to the colon resection. Both groups will be treated with a mono antiplatelet therapy, i.e., carbasalate calcium (Ascal ®), for stent patency and atherosclerotic risk reduction. Intervention group has an indication for lifelong mono antiplatelet therapy and control group for at least 12 months Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary endpoint is the incidence of a clinically relevant AL within 90 days post-surgery. Secondary endpoints include AL classification/severity, calcification scores of aortic and mesenteric vessels, stenting complications, stent patency, intra-operative qFA measurements, operative duration, all causes of post-operative complications within 90 days, all reinterventions; surgical (including endovascular) and non-surgical within 90 days, duration of primary postoperative hospital stay and readmission within 12 months, 12 month mortality, patient-reported outcomes on month 0-3-6-12, cost-effectiveness budget impact analysis and stent patency. The total follow-up duration will be a total of 12 months.