Electrical stimulation to improve bowel emptying
Official title: Electrical Rectal Stimulation to Promote Bowel Emptying After Spinal Cord Injury
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06078176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a new electrical stimulation method can help people with bowel problems from spinal cord injuries empty their bowels better than the usual digital stimulation method.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Syracuse, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06078176 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with suprasacral spinal cord injuries who experience neurogenic bowel dysfunction and currently use digital rectal stimulation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active infections, significant colon trauma, or recent gastrointestinal surgeries 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 study investigates the effects of electrical stimulation on colonic motility in individuals with neurogenic bowel dysfunction due to spinal cord injury. Participants will be compared between traditional digital rectal stimulation and the new electrical stimulation method to determine which is more effective in improving bowel emptying. The goal is to find a non-invasive therapeutic intervention that can enhance bowel function for those affected. If successful, this approach could lead to improved quality of life for patients suffering from chronic constipation related to their condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a more effective and less invasive method for bowel management in patients with neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of electrical stimulation is being explored, it remains a novel intervention in this specific context and has not been widely tested in similar studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Suprasacral spinal cord injury * Diagnosed neurogenic bowel dysfunction and using digital rectal stimulation * Bowel routine requires at least 30 minutes or at least 3 cycles of digital rectal stimulation * Neurologically stable * At least 18 years old * At least 12 months post neurological injury or disease diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * Active sepsis * Open pressure sores on or around pelvis * Significant colon trauma or colostomy * Crohn's disease * Colonic obstruction or gastrointestinal surgery within last 3 months * Significant history of autonomic dysreflexia
Where it's running
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Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY
Syracuse, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cesar Colasante-Garrido, MD — Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY
- Study coordinator: Cesar Colasante-Garrido, MD
- Email: cesar.colasante@va.gov
- Phone: (315) 325-4400
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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.