Using artificial intelligence to help surgeons decide on ileostomy for rectal cancer patients

Artificial Intelligence-assisted Decision Making for Temporary Ileostomy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trail.

Not applicable Interventional Tongji Hospital · NCT04999007

This study is testing whether an artificial intelligence tool can help surgeons decide if rectal cancer patients really need a temporary ileostomy after surgery, to reduce complications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment616 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wuhan, Hubei)
Trial IDNCT04999007 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence model in reducing the rate of temporary ileostomy in patients undergoing anterior resection for rectal cancer. The model, developed from data on 2,369 rectal cancer patients, aims to assist surgeons in making informed decisions regarding the necessity of a temporary ileostomy, which is often based on individual experience rather than standardized guidelines. By utilizing this AI-driven approach, the study seeks to minimize the risk of anastomotic leakage, a serious complication associated with the surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the AI-assisted decision-making group or the standard care group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with primary rectal adenocarcinoma who are expected to undergo curative resection.

Not a fit: Patients with severe mental disorders, those undergoing Hartmann surgery, or those with other malignant tumors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower the incidence of temporary ileostomy and its associated complications in rectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the application of AI in surgical decision-making is a growing field, this specific approach to reducing ileostomy rates in rectal cancer surgery is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged older than 18 years and younger than 85 years.
2. Primary rectal adenocarcinoma confirmed by preoperative pathology result.
3. Expected curative resection via total mesorectal excision procedure.
4. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I, II, or III.
5. Written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
2. Severe mental disorder or language communication disorder.
3. Hartmann surgery or colostomy is performed intraoperatively.
4. Interrupted of surgery for more than 30 minutes due to any cause.
5. Malignant tumors with other organs

Where this trial is running

Wuhan, Hubei

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 Cancerartificial intelligence,rectal cancertemporary ileostomyanastomotic leakage
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.