Bowel Dysfunction After Low Rectal Resection. An Pilot Study Using Psyllium Husk In Rectal Cancer Patients.

Launched by SYKEHUSET TELEMARK · Dec 4, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the effects of a natural fiber supplement called psyllium husk on bowel problems that some patients experience after surgery for rectal cancer. After a procedure known as low anterior resection (LAR), many patients develop a condition called Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), which can cause issues like bowel incontinence, urgency, and discomfort. This trial aims to see if taking psyllium husk can help reduce these symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from LARS.

To participate in this study, you would need to have had surgery for rectal cancer and score above 20 on a specific questionnaire about LARS at least a year after your operation. The trial is open to both men and women aged 65 to 74. Participants will be asked to provide written consent and will likely fill out questionnaires to track their symptoms and overall quality of life during the study. It's important to note that if you have certain medical conditions or a lower score on the LARS questionnaire, you may not be eligible for this trial. If you're interested, you can learn more about joining the study while helping advance knowledge about managing bowel dysfunction after cancer treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Operated with low rectal resection for rectal cancer
• • LARS score \>20 at 12 months or more after surgery
• • Written consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Various conditions rendering the patient unable to answer questionnaire
• • LARS score 0-20
• • Contraindications to Psyllium husk (hypersensitivity, intestinal obstruction, reduced esophageal function, rare congenital medical conditions such as sucrase-isomaltase deficiency, fructose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorbtion)