Monitoring pelvic nerves during rectal cancer surgery

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring of Pelvic Autonomous Nerve Plexus During Total Mesorectal Excision

NA · Larissa University Hospital · NCT04949646

This study is testing if using nerve monitoring during rectal cancer surgery can help patients avoid problems like incontinence and improve their quality of life after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorLarissa University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Larissa)
Trial IDNCT04949646 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the use of pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) during total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. The aim is to improve postoperative anorectal and urogenital function, as well as overall quality of life for patients. By monitoring the pelvic autonomous nerve plexus during surgery, the researchers hope to reduce the incidence of complications such as fecal and urinary incontinence. The study includes patients with histologically confirmed rectal cancer who are undergoing surgical resection with TME.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with histologically confirmed rectal cancer who are scheduled for total mesorectal excision and are under 90 years old.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those undergoing emergency operations, those with pacemakers, or those with significant physical or mental impairments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance postoperative quality of life by reducing the risk of urogenital and anorectal dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring is gaining traction, this specific application in TME for rectal cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically confirmed rectal cancer
* Surgical resection with TME
* \<90 years old
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency operation
* Presence of pacemaker
* Partial mesorectal excision
* Sepsis or systematic infection
* Physical or mental impairment
* Pregnancy or nursing
* Insufficient preoperative data for the urogenital/ anorectal function
* Lack of compliance with the research process

Where this trial is running

Larissa

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: Rectal Neoplasms, intraoperative, neuromonitoring, pelvic, autonomous, total, mesorectal, excision

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.