Endoscopic visualisation of anastomosis in colorectal cancer surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomised feasibility study into the use of endoscopic visualisation of rectal anastomosis vs. current practice and the effect on anastomotic leak rates in patients undergoing rectal surgery for bowel cancer in a tertiary referral centre
IRAS ID
246332
Contact name
Benjamin Rossi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 3 days
Research summary
Endoscopic visualisation of anastomosis in colorectal cancer surgery (EVACCS)
This trial has been set up to look at the feasibility of running a full scale trial into anastomotic leaks after bowel surgery. An anastomosis is a join between two sections of bowel when the section of bowel in between has been removed. For patients an anastomotic leak can be catastrophic, both for short and long term outcomes. It often requires further surgery and a longer hospital stay.
We are looking specifically at operations done for bowel cancer as this is an important group due to the number of operations done for bowel cancer and the effects that an anastomotic leak can have on further treatment.
We will be putting participants into two groups (randomising). One group will receive our standard test of an anastomosis, which is to use air to test the anastomosis. The other group will receive our trial intervention, which uses an endoscope (camera) to assess the anastomosis during the operation. Based on this test we will decide whether the anastomosis looks satisfactory or whether it needs to be re-done.
Any patient undergoing an operation for cancer in the lower bowel (rectum/sigmoid colon) will be eligible as long as they are over 18 and able to give informed consent.
The study will last for one year, or until enough patients have been recruited. The participants will undergo the procedure while under anaesthetic and no further specific input will be required.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0224
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion