Personalized Care Pathways for Bowel Symptoms in Rectal Cancer Patients_contributing Factors (Treatable)

Launched by KU LEUVEN · Mar 31, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on understanding bowel symptoms that some patients experience after treatment for rectal cancer. Rectal cancer can be treated with surgery, which often leads to issues like diarrhea or difficulty controlling bowel movements, affecting the patient’s quality of life. This study aims to identify the factors that contribute to these ongoing bowel problems a year after surgery, with the goal of creating better care plans to help manage these symptoms and improve overall well-being.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, able to read and speak Dutch, and scheduled for specific types of rectal surgery, like Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) or Partial Mesorectal Excision (PME). Participants will need to give their written consent before joining. It’s important to note that people who have had other types of surgeries or conditions affecting bowel function may not be eligible. By participating, patients can help researchers learn more about their symptoms and how to better support others in similar situations.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Voluntary written informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures.
• • At least 18 years of age at the time of signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF).
• • Proficient in reading, comprehending, and conversing in Dutch.
• • Patients scheduled for Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) or Partial Mesorectal Excision (PME) or 'Watch and wait' protocol due to rectal cancer.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • The participant has undergone a different type of surgery, including a Hartmann procedure, abdominoperineal excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgery, or sigmoid resection.
• • Experienced fecal incontinence prior to undergoing surgery.
• • Are affected by neurological disorders affecting bowel function.
• • Already underwent previous pelvic surgery, previous pelvic radiation or rectal surgery for non-cancer reasons.
• • Has a permanent stoma.