Using nerve stimulation after surgery to improve bowel function in rectal cancer patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 effects of posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on patients who have undergone low anterior resection for rectal cancer. It aims to determine whether this non-invasive treatment can reduce the incidence and duration of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), which affects bowel function and quality of life. Patients will receive PTNS postoperatively to assess its impact on their recovery and overall well-being. The study is conducted at Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro in Vigo, focusing on patients who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing elective surgery (scheduled, non-urgent) who underwent anterior rectal resection or transit reconstruction with low anastomosis (below 10 cm from the anal margin) at the Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro in Vigo after the start date of the study.
* Anastomotic tightness (absence of dehiscence).
* Patients older than 18 years old.
* Acceptance to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to understand the study instructions and recommendations.
* Dementia or any type of mental disability.
* Palliative surgery.
* Patients with pacemakers.
* Anti-coagulated patients.
* Patients with trophic lesions on the skin of the ankles.

Where it's running

• Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro
  Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Raquel Sánchez Santos, PhD
• Email: raquelsanchezsantos@gmail.com
• Phone: 629357242

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Tailored treatment approaches for low anterior resection syndrome

  This study will see if advanced physiological and imaging tests can identify different subtypes of LARS in people after rectal cancer surgery to help match them to better treatments.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Aalborg University Hospital · Aalborg and 2 other locations · NCT07573371

• Antegrade intestinal fluid reinfusion to prevent low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer patients with ileostomy

  This trial will test whether putting a patient's intestinal fluid back through their ileostomy before it is closed can prevent low anterior resection syndrome in people treated for mid to low rectal cancer.

  Recruiting Phase 2/3 Sun Yat-sen University · Guangzhou, Guangdong · NCT07537998

• Long-term follow-up of bowel function (LARS) after rectal cancer surgery and neoadjuvant therapy

  This project will see how bowel symptoms (LARS) change over time after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery and whether different neoadjuvant treatment schedules affect those symptoms.

  Recruiting University Hospital, Antwerp · Edegem, Antwerp · NCT07339904

• Comparing total neoadjuvant therapy with surgery for rectal cancer treatment

  This study is testing if rectal cancer patients who respond well to a new treatment can skip surgery and just be monitored to see how they do compared to those who have surgery right away.

  Recruiting Phase 2/3 National Cancer Center Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos · Vilnius · NCT06758830

• Bowel management program for treating low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer patients

  This study is testing a bowel management program using special enemas to see if it helps people with low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery feel better compared to standard treatment.

  Recruiting Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · Columbus, Ohio · NCT06424522

• Transanal irrigation for sleep issues after rectal cancer surgery

  This study tests if a treatment called transanal irrigation can help adults with sleep problems after surgery for rectal cancer feel better and improve their sleep.

  Recruiting Seoul National University Hospital · Seoul, Jongro-gu · NCT06222255

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.