Using low level laser therapy to treat chronic constipation
Official title: Sacral Neuromodulation as Treatment for Chronic Constipation
Run by McMaster University · NCT03819062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if low level laser therapy can help people with severe chronic constipation feel better after a series of treatment sessions.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 8, 2019 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 5, 2022 |
| Trial ID | NCT03819062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients with severe chronic refractory constipation who have abnormal findings from High-Resolution Colonic Manometry.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant, have malignancies, active bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, or are light sensitive 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 study investigates the effectiveness of low level laser therapy for patients suffering from severe chronic refractory constipation. Participants will undergo High-Resolution Colonic Manometry to assess abnormal coordination between colon motility and recto-anal activity, which indicates a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system's communication with the colon. The treatment consists of eight sessions of laser therapy over three weeks, with outcomes evaluated through symptom questionnaires and physiological assessments at four and twelve weeks post-treatment. This proof of concept study aims to determine if the therapy provides more benefit than harm.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic constipation by restoring normal bowel function.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel, similar studies exploring neuromodulation techniques have shown promise in treating other gastrointestinal disorders.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with severe chronic refractory constipation * Must have undergone high resolution colonic manometry that shows abnormal coordination between colonic motility and ano-rectal function. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant patients * Known malignancies in the area of treatment * Active bleeding in area of treatment * Active deep vein thrombosis * When tatoos are present at area of treatment * Patients that are light sensitive * Patients who take NSAIDS or steroids.
Where it's running
-
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jihong Chen, MD PhD — McMaster University
- Study coordinator: Jihong Chen, MD PhD
- Email: chen338@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 2263439909
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Bowel Irrigation Techniques for Chronic Constipation and Faecal Incontinence
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-
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-
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This project will try a radiation-free imaging method (MSOT) with an oral dye plus MRI to measure how quickly stool moves through the intestines in children and teenagers with chronic bowel emptying disorders.
-
Evaluating the effects of probiotic yogurt on chronic constipation
This study tests if eating a special probiotic yogurt can help people with chronic constipation feel better over three weeks.
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.