Investigating the impact of stomas in rectal cancer surgery

Norwegian Stoma Trial - Open-label, Multicenter Trial

Observational The Hospital of Vestfold · NCT05243771

This study is testing how different types of stomas during rectal cancer surgery affect recovery and quality of life for patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Hospital of Vestfold Academic / other
Locations18 sites (Bærums Verk, Gjettum and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05243771 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Norwegian Stoma Trial is an open-label multicenter observational study that examines the effects of different surgical strategies involving stomas in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma. It aims to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing rectal resection with either a diverting stoma, a permanent colostomy, or no stoma at all. The study will assess surgical complications, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and length of hospital stay using validated questionnaires and scoring systems. By analyzing these factors, the trial seeks to provide insights into the optimal surgical approach for rectal cancer patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with verified rectal adenocarcinoma located 15 cm or less from the anal verge.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced tumor stages requiring extensive surgery or those with stage IV disease will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the best surgical approach for rectal cancer patients, potentially reducing complications and improving quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the use of stomas in rectal cancer surgery, but this trial aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of different surgical strategies, making it a valuable addition to existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Verified rectal adenocarcinoma by biopsy
* Tumor located in the rectum with lower border of the tumor located 15 cm or less from the anal verge.
* Given informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Advanced tumor stage requiring exenterative surgery beyond a convetional APR or TME.
* Stage IV disease
* Synchronous colon cancer necessitating a total colectomy
* Other concomitant disease(s) which will complicate participation.
* Unwillingness to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Bærums Verk, Gjettum and 17 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 Rectal CancerIleostomyComplicationsQuality of LifeComplication,Postoperative
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.