Robot-assisted reconstruction after surgery for rectal or anal cancer

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

Observational Oslo University Hospital · NCT05689775

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
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOslo University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT05689775 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Oslo

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 PerineumWoundPostoperative ComplicationsRectal NeoplasmsRectus Abdominis HerniaProspective StudiesWound HealSexual Health
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.