Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Robot-assisted reconstruction after surgery for rectal or anal cancer

Official title: Reconstruction After Abdominoperineal Resection With Robot-assisted Harvest of VRAM Flap

Run by Oslo University Hospital · NCT05689775 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using a muscle flap to rebuild the pelvic floor or vagina after robotic surgery for rectal or anal cancer can improve recovery and quality of life for patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorOslo University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oslo)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2024
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 19, 2023
Trial IDNCT05689775 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults with rectal or anal cancer scheduled for robotic-assisted abdominoperineal resection and subsequent reconstruction.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are not eligible for robotic-assisted procedures or have unsuitable wound defects for reconstruction will not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on patients over 18 years old who have undergone robotic-assisted abdominoperineal resection for locally advanced rectal or anal cancer. It evaluates the effectiveness of reconstructing the pelvic floor and/or vagina using a rectus abdominis muscle flap. The study will track operative time, complications, wound healing, abdominal wall strength, and patient-reported outcomes related to quality of life and sexual health. Follow-up visits will occur at 1, 6, and 12 months post-surgery to assess these outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve wound healing and quality of life for patients undergoing surgery for rectal or anal cancer.

How similar studies have gone: While similar robotic-assisted reconstruction techniques have shown promise, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with rectal or anal cancer
* scheduled for robot-assisted abdominoperineal resection
* reconstruction of pelvic floor and/or vagina with rectus abdominis muscle flap

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients not eligible for robot-assisted procedure
* rectus abdominis muscle not available for harvest
* the expected wound defect is not suitable for reconstruction with rectus abdominis muscle flap

Where it's running

  • Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet
    Oslo, Norway
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Lars Frich, MD, PhD — Oslo University Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Lars Frich, MD, PhD
  • Email: lfrich@ous-hf.no
  • Phone: 004722930000

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.