A Bowel Management Program (Retrograde Rectal Enema) for the Treatment of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in Rectal Cancer Patients

Description

This clinical trial studies if a bowel management program with a retrograde rectal enema (RRE) for the treatment of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in rectal cancer patients is better than medical management alone. Rectal cancer treatment can include a procedure where part of the rectum with cancer is removed and the remaining part of the rectum is reconnected to the colon, this is called a low anterior resection of the rectum. LARS is a common condition that can develop after undergoing a low anterior resection of the rectum. LARS consists of any change in how the body performs defecation, the discharge of feces from the body, after undergoing a resection procedure. Patients with LARS may experience fecal urgency, incontinence, increased frequency, constipation, feelings of incomplete bowel movement, or bowel emptying difficulties. Patients may experience individual symptoms of LARS or a combination of them. A bowel management program assists patient's with identifying a specific bowel management regimen that works best for managing symptoms of LARS. A RRE consists of inserting a catheter through the anus into the rectum. The RRE is designed to assist fecal emptying. Medical management of LARS can include the use of fiber, loperamide hydrochloride, or pelvic floor physical therapy. Fiber may help relieve constipation, feelings of incomplete bowel movement, or bowel emptying difficulties. Loperamide hydrocholoride may help lessen fecal urgency, incontinence, or increased frequency. Pelvic floor physical therapy may help restore strength in the rectum possibly helping to improve symptoms of LARS. Participating in a bowel management program with a RRE may be more effective in treating LARS than medical management alone.

Conditions

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, Rectal Carcinoma

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This clinical trial studies if a bowel management program with a retrograde rectal enema (RRE) for the treatment of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in rectal cancer patients is better than medical management alone. Rectal cancer treatment can include a procedure where part of the rectum with cancer is removed and the remaining part of the rectum is reconnected to the colon, this is called a low anterior resection of the rectum. LARS is a common condition that can develop after undergoing a low anterior resection of the rectum. LARS consists of any change in how the body performs defecation, the discharge of feces from the body, after undergoing a resection procedure. Patients with LARS may experience fecal urgency, incontinence, increased frequency, constipation, feelings of incomplete bowel movement, or bowel emptying difficulties. Patients may experience individual symptoms of LARS or a combination of them. A bowel management program assists patient's with identifying a specific bowel management regimen that works best for managing symptoms of LARS. A RRE consists of inserting a catheter through the anus into the rectum. The RRE is designed to assist fecal emptying. Medical management of LARS can include the use of fiber, loperamide hydrochloride, or pelvic floor physical therapy. Fiber may help relieve constipation, feelings of incomplete bowel movement, or bowel emptying difficulties. Loperamide hydrocholoride may help lessen fecal urgency, incontinence, or increased frequency. Pelvic floor physical therapy may help restore strength in the rectum possibly helping to improve symptoms of LARS. Participating in a bowel management program with a RRE may be more effective in treating LARS than medical management alone.

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: Retrograde Enema Program vs Medical Management

A Bowel Management Program (Retrograde Rectal Enema) for the Treatment of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in Rectal Cancer Patients

Condition
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Columbus

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43210

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Age ≥ 18 years old
  • * LARS diagnosis
  • * Patients with history of rectal cancer
  • * Patients presenting with significant stricture that need a definitive surgical management strategy; patients with minor or clinically negligible strictures can still be candidates. Patients who are able to pass the catheter and the balloon per rectum may be candidates after a digital rectal exam at their initial visit
  • * Patients with any chemo or radiation therapy in the last 6 months
  • * Patients who currently have colorectal cancer
  • * Patients with recurrent colorectal cancer
  • * Patients who have undergone a colorectal surgical procedure within the last three months
  • * Patients \< 18 years old
  • * Active sacral nerve simulator
  • * Altered mental status or mental disability that would alter ability to self-administer enema
  • * Any reason the research team believes the subject is not an appropriate candidate for this study (i.e., transportation issues, history of no-show appointments, lack of reliable communications, vulnerable population(s), etc.)

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center,

Alessandra C Gasior, DO, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Study Record Dates

2028-12-31