Evaluating patient outcomes after rectal cancer surgery

Patient Reported Outcomes Following Cancer of the Rectum

Observational University Hospital Gregorio Marañón · NCT04936581

This study is trying to see how different surgical methods for rectal cancer affect patients' recovery, quality of life, and bowel function after surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Gregorio Marañón Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Madrid and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04936581 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients who have undergone Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) for rectal cancer, assessing the impact of different surgical approaches on patient-reported outcomes. It aims to evaluate the prevalence of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and its effects on quality of life, bowel function, and other related complications. The study will collect data from 90 participants over a two-year period, utilizing validated questionnaires to measure various aspects of recovery and functionality post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 diagnosed with rectal cancer located below the peritoneal reflection who are undergoing TME surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with upper rectal cancer, stage IV disease, or those who have had previous pelvic radiotherapy or radical prostatectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for rectal cancer patients, enhancing their quality of life post-surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in evaluating patient-reported outcomes following rectal cancer surgeries, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients over 18 years old
* Informed consent
* Diagnosed with rectal cancer located below the peritoneal reflection, defined by preoperative MRI
* Open, laparoscopic, robotic or Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (taTME) approaches
* Patients with/without derivative stoma
* Patients with/without neoadjuvant treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Upper rectal cancer, located above the peritoneal reflection
* Previous radical prostatectomy
* Previous pelvic radiotherapy
* Rectal resection without primary anastomosis
* Intraoperative findings of peritoneal carcinomatosis
* Stage IV disease
* Multivisceral or en-bloc resection, which includes uterus, prostate, vagina or bladder
* Rectal resection due to a benign condition
* Rectal resection due to a recurrence of rectal cancer (previous anterior resection or another primary neoplasm)
* Rectal resection following a 'watch \& wait' program
* Emergency surgery
* Previous derivative colostomy
* Inflammatory bowel disease

Where this trial is running

Madrid and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Sphincter Ani IncontinenceRectal Cancerrectal cancertaTMElaparoscopic TMErobotic TMEopen TMElow anterior resection syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.