Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorNottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nottingham)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 23, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 23, 2026
Study endsSeptember 7, 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT06587646 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

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.