Overview
The goal of this observational study is to learn about intestinal microbiome structure and function in individuals who have undergone a pancreatoduodenectomy and compare to healthy matched controls.
The primary objectives of the study are:
- To explore and describe any differences in the gut microbiota especially Shannon diversity index
- To conduct functional profiling by exploring and describing any differences in functional metabolites produced in the gut in people having had pancreatoduodenectomy greater than 6 months ago compared to healthy matched controls.
Participants will be asked to complete the following:
- Three-day food, bowel and medication diary (see Protocol appendix 5)
- Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (see Protocol appendix 6)
- Quality of life questionnaire (see Protocol appendix 7)
- Stool sample test using Microba Insight TradeMark (a small swab is taken from soiled toilet paper, sealed in a room-temperature storage capsule and mailed to the testing laboratory)
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults (aged equal to or greater than 18 years) having had pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple's) surgery between April 2018 - December 2023 for curative intent and received post-operative clinical management at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, (post-surgical participants), and
- Healthy adults matched by age, sex, body mass index and smoking status
Exclusion Criteria:
- Aged less than 18 years
- Are unable to complete the questionnaires or testing due to language or cognitive limitations
- Have active or recurring pancreatic cancer, or where the surgery was for non-curative intent
- Have other gastrointestinal conditions that could affect gut symptoms or microbiome such as Inflammatory Bowel disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Coeliac disease, or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are currently taking medications or diet that can affect gut symptoms or microbiome