Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using fat injections to treat fecal incontinence

Official title: AUTOGRAFI : Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Fat Injection Into the Intersphincter Space in Fecal Incontinence: a Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Cross-over, Double-blind Trial

Run by Rennes University Hospital · NCT04972799 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether injecting fat into the anal area can help people with severe fecal incontinence feel better when other treatments haven't worked.

More Fecal Incontinence trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorRennes University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Angers and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 19, 2022
Main results expectedNovember 2026
Study endsNovember 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 25, 2024
Trial IDNCT04972799 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with severe fecal incontinence who have not benefited from other management strategies.

Probably not a fit

Patients with contraindications to general anesthesia or those with significant pelvic disorders may 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 clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of injecting autologous fat into the intersphincter space for patients suffering from severe fecal incontinence. Participants will receive either the fat injection or a saline placebo in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, allowing for direct comparison of outcomes. The study aims to address the limitations of current treatment options, particularly for those who have not responded to rehabilitation or neuromodulation therapies. By assessing the impact on fecal incontinence episodes and sphincter function, the trial seeks to provide new therapeutic insights.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from severe fecal incontinence.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown some improvement with autologous fat injections in related conditions, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. severe fecal incontinence characterized by at least one episode of weekly fecal incontinence
3. failed rehabilitation and dietary management strategies
4. who have failed/contraindicated/refused sacral root neuromodulation (in the indication of fecal incontinence)
5. having, for women of childbearing age, effective contraception throughout the study
6. having given free, informed and written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. unable or unwilling to undergo follow-up or symptomatic evaluation
2. contraindication to general anesthesia
3. contraindication to metronidazole (hypersensitivity and wheat allergy)
4. significant pelvic static disorder
5. active anal suppuration
6. anal stenosis
7. externalized rectal prolapse
8. chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
9. on anticoagulants or antiaggregants
10. history of anal or rectal neoplasia
11. coagulation anomaly, curative anticoagulation
12. history of rectal surgery
13. history of pelvic radiotherapy
14. previous treatment with inert materials (hyaluronic acid, biosilicones, coaptitis) in the 5 years preceding inclusion
15. allergy to lidocaine or contraindication to adrenaline
16. protected person (adult subject to legal protection (safeguard of justice, curatorship, guardianship), person deprived of liberty, pregnant or breast-feeding woman, minor)
17. participating in another interventional trial concurrently
18. not covered by a social security system

Where it's running

  • CHU Rennes
    Rennes, France
    Recruiting
  • CHU Angers
    Angers, France
    Not yet recruiting
  • CHU Nantes
    Nantes, France
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Brochard Charlène — Rennes University Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Mevel Nicolas
  • Email: dri@chu-rennes.fr
  • Phone: 02 99 28 25 55

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.