Evaluating bowel function after rectal cancer surgery

Quality and Outcomes in Global Cancer Surgery: a Prospective, International Cohort Study Evaluating Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS)

National Cancer Center Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos · NCT04040842

This study is trying to see how bowel function changes in people who have surgery for rectal cancer by asking them questions before and a year after their operation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Cancer Center Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Vilnius)
Trial IDNCT04040842 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess bowel function in patients undergoing curative rectal cancer surgery by using the Low Anterior Resection Score (LARS). Participants will complete a questionnaire evaluating their bowel function before surgery and again one year post-surgery. The study will include various surgical approaches such as laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Patient characteristics, including age and cancer stage, will also be collected to analyze outcomes effectively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who are undergoing elective surgery for rectal cancer with curative intent.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing palliative treatment, those with recurrent cancer, or individuals with dementia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into bowel function recovery after rectal cancer surgery, helping to improve patient care and management.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully evaluated bowel function post-surgery, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery on curative intent.
* Elective surgery patients.
* Laparoscopic, laparoscopic-converted, robotic, TaTME (transanal total mesorectal excision) and open cases will be included.
* Patients aged 18 years and over should be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing a procedure purely for diagnosis or staging should be excluded.
* Patients with palliative treatment.
* Patients with recurrence should be excluded.
* Patients with dementia
* Patients who do not complete their treatment within 12 months of primary surgery e.g. including reversal of stoma, chemotherapy etc

Where this trial is running

Vilnius

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, Rectal cancer, low anterior resection, low anterior resection syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.