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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rennes University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Angers and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 19, 2022 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 25, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT04972799 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
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This trial tests whether injecting botulinum toxin into the rectum can help children who have frequent non-retentive fecal incontinence that isn’t caused by constipation.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.