Using virtual technology to improve treatment for perianal Crohn's disease
Official title: A Feasibility Study to Assess a "Virtual" (vEUA) Technology to Improve the Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease
Run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust · NCT06587646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new virtual tool that helps doctors better plan surgery for fistulas in people with perianal Crohn's disease to see if it leads to quicker healing and fewer complications than regular methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 23, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 23, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 7, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06587646 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with active perianal Crohn's disease requiring surgical intervention.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions such as rectovaginal fistulas, significant comorbidities, or those who cannot undergo MRI will 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 focuses on the management of perianal Crohn's disease, particularly the treatment of fistulas that can develop in patients. It utilizes a virtual examination under anesthesia (vEUA) tool that provides 3D imaging to enhance surgical planning and reduce complications associated with traditional methods. By accurately visualizing the fistula anatomy, surgeons can minimize invasiveness and improve post-operative care, potentially leading to faster healing and fewer follow-up surgeries. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this innovative approach compared to standard care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications for patients with perianal Crohn's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of advanced imaging techniques in surgical planning is gaining traction, this specific application of 3D imaging for perianal Crohn's disease is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to give informed consent * Active perianal Crohn's disease as defined by clinical assessment with fistula or abscess formation * A clinical decision has been taken that surgery is required for perianal disease * Ages of 18-75 Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to consent * history of Proctectomy, * absence of a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, * perianal fistulising disease not secondary to Crohn's disease, * Rectovaginal fistulas * Malignant disease * Significant cardiovascular or respiratory disease * Neurological or cognitive impairment * Significant physical disability * Significant hepatic disease or renal failure * Subjects currently (or in the last three months) participating in another research project * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * If MRI is contraindicated (e.g. pacemaker). * under 18 years old or over 75 years old
Where it's running
-
Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust
Nottingham, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Paul Evans, MBChB PhD FRCS
- Email: nuhnt.researchsponsor@nhs.net
- Phone: +44115 924 9924
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Risankizumab for Refractory Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease
This study tests whether risankizumab can help people with Crohn’s disease who have draining perianal fistulas not responding to other treatments.
-
Autologous tSVF Injection for Refractory Perianal Crohn’s Disease
We’re testing whether injecting a patient’s own mechanically processed tissue stromal vascular fraction around and into fistula tracts can help heal complex perianal Crohn’s disease in people who have not responded to standard therapies.
-
Developing post-falls management principles for care homes
This study tests a set of principles to guide post-falls management for older adults in care homes.
-
Preventing pressure injuries in hospitalized infants, children, and young people (0–19 years) with darker skin tones
This project will test whether a modified BRADEN-QD tool better identifies pressure injury risk in hospitalized infants, children, and young people with darker skin tones.
-
Recognizing seizures in the intensive care unit
This project tests how well NHS neurophysiology scientists, neurologists, intensivists, and ICU nurses can identify seizures from digital video recordings of ICU events.
-
FIT stool testing to monitor for return of colorectal cancer after surgery
We will try whether a simple stool FIT test can detect returning colorectal cancer or significant polyps in adults who had curative bowel surgery and are due a 3‑year surveillance colonoscopy or CT colon.
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.