Comparing Fleet Enema and Oral Prep for Bowel Cleansing Before Surgery
Official title: Transanal Endoscopic Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Fleet Enema vs Oral Mechanical Bowel Prep (TESEO Trial)
Run by Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT05148494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether using Fleet enemas or a drink called Pico Salax is better for cleaning out the rectum before surgery to remove rectal lesions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 16, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05148494 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for transanal endoscopic surgery at the QEII Health Sciences Center in Halifax.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic constipation, previous pelvic radiation, inflammatory bowel disease, or those unable to tolerate the bowel preparations may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Fleet enemas versus oral mechanical bowel preparation using Pico Salax for cleansing the rectum prior to transanal endoscopic surgery (TES). It is a single-center, two-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial that will measure the cleanliness of the rectum using a modified Ottawa Bowel Prep Scale. The study seeks to determine which preparation method provides better visibility and cleanliness for safe and efficient surgical resection of rectal lesions. The findings could help establish a preferred bowel preparation method for TES.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved bowel preparation methods, enhancing surgical outcomes for patients undergoing transanal endoscopic surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of oral versus rectal bowel preparations, indicating that this trial addresses an area with ongoing debate.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * undergoing transanal endoscopic surgery at the QEII Health Sciences Center in Halifax by one of the colorectal trained surgeons Exclusion Criteria: * chronic constipation not well controlled with diet or stool softening agents * previous pelvic radiation * inflammatory bowel disease * repeat transanal surgery for the same lesion * patient unable to self-administer enemas * patient unable to tolerate either of the 2 bowel preps due to medical reasons * age over 75 * clear diagnosis of congestive heart failure * daily use of Lasix or similar loop diuretic * chronic steroid use * Transanal Endoscopic Surgery combined with another surgical procedure
Where it's running
-
Victoria General Hospital
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katerina Neumann — Nsha
- Study coordinator: Katerina Neumann
- Email: katerina.neumann@nshealth.ca
- Phone: 902 473 3937
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.