Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Comparing two surgical techniques for anal function after low rectal cancer surgery

Official title: Comparison of Postoperative Anal Function Between Different Anastomosis Techniques(Parks Versus Bacon) in Low Rectal Cancer: A Prospective, Multicentric and Randomized Controlled Study

Run by Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT05943444 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing which of two surgical methods helps people with ultra-low rectal cancer have better bowel control and quality of life after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment256 (estimated)
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 8, 2023
Main results expectedAugust 8, 2027
Study endsAugust 8, 2027
Registry record updatedDecember 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT05943444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are men and women aged 18 to 75 with a pathological diagnosis of rectal cancer and specific tumor characteristics suitable for anal preservation surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with previous colorectal malignancies or those requiring emergency operations due to complications will 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 study aims to compare the postoperative anal function of patients with ultra-low rectal cancer who undergo either the Parks operation or the Bacon operation. Participants will be assessed for anal function and quality of life one year after surgery, with primary outcomes focusing on the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score. Secondary outcomes will include LARS scores at 3 and 6 months post-surgery, overall quality of life scores, and the incidence of postoperative complications. The goal is to provide clinical evidence that may improve surgical approaches and patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved anal function and quality of life for patients undergoing surgery for low rectal cancer.

How similar studies have gone: While similar studies have explored surgical techniques for rectal cancer, this specific comparison of the Parks and Bacon techniques is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men or women, aged between 18 and 75 years;
2. Pathological diagnosis of rectal cancer before operation, with the distance from the lower edge of the tumor to the dentate line ≤ 3cm by MR imaging;
3. No local complications (including complete/ incomplete obstruction, active bleeding, local invasion of sphincter or levator ani, etc.) before operation;
4. Suitable for anal preservation surgery discussed by MDT;
5. Adequate bone marrow, liver, renal and cardiac function meeting the requirements of surgery and anesthesia;
6. R0 resection is expected technically;
7. Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous history of malignant colorectal tumors;
2. Complications such as obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding that need an emergency operation;
3. Unachievable R0 resection due to invasion of adjacent organs by primary tumor;
4. Multiple primary tumors;
5. History of other malignancy;
6. Participation in other clinical trials within the previous 4 weeks of enrollment;
7. ASA physical status score ≥ IV level and/or ECOG performance status ≥ 2;
8. Intolerance of surgery due to liver, renal, cardiopulmonary or coagulation dysfunction, or underlying diseases;
9. History of serious mental disorders;
10. Women in pregnancy or lactation period;
11. Uncontrolled infection before operation;
12. Unsuitable to be included due to other clinical and laboratory conditions by the judgement of investigators.

Where it's running

  • The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yatsen University
    Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.