Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Electronic bidets after anal surgery vs water rinsing

Official title: The Use of Electronic Bidets Compared to Water Rinsing After Surgery for Anal Fistula or Hemorrhoidal Disease: a Pilot Study

Run by Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT07874711 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A small study tests whether using an electronic bidet after anal fistula or hemorrhoid surgery helps patients more than standard water rinsing.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 2026
Main results expectedDecember 2028
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedOctober 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT07874711 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18 years and older who had fistulotomy or sphincter-sparing AF surgery or hemorrhoidectomy, capable of Dutch or French communication, and with a suitable electrical outlet nearby.

Probably not a fit

Patients who previously used bidets or have conditions contraindicating warm water exposure may not experience benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study compares two postoperative cleansing methods after anal fistula or hemorrhoidal surgery: electronic bidets versus standard water rinsing with a showerhead. Participants are adults who have undergone fistulotomy, sphincter-sparing AF surgery, or hemorrhoidectomy, and meet language and safety criteria. The goal is to observe postoperative pain, discomfort, wound infection, and overall satisfaction, to determine if bidets offer any advantage over traditional rinsing. The study uses a randomized or parallel design with a control group receiving water rinsing; larger studies may be considered if results are favorable. Results could inform future guidelines on postoperative care for proctological procedures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less pain and higher satisfaction with wound care after proctological surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Some prior postoperative studies in hemorrhoid surgery suggest higher satisfaction with bidets, but data are limited and this area remains exploratory.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients will undergo fistulotomy or sphincter-sparing surgery for AF or haemorrhoidec-tomy for HD
* 18 years or older
* Able to speak and read Dutch or French
* Patients must have a power outlet within 3m of their toilet or they need to be able to use an extension cable

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systemic diseases with perianal impact
* Altered perianal sensation (to prevent burns because of the warm water)
* Inflammatory bowel disease
* Chronic dermatological conditions
* AIDS
* Hepatitis C
* Patients under immunosuppression after a solid organ or stem cell transplantation
* Heart failure
* Kidney failure with eGFR under 60ml/min
* Current malignancy
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* The use of a bidet at home before the start of the study

Where it's running

  • UZ Brussel
    Brussels, Belgium
    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.