Slow wave pouch study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessment of anal sphincter slow wave activity in ileo-anal pouch patients
IRAS ID
299300
Contact name
Gregory Thomas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
0000000000, 0000000
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) refers to a collection of symptoms suffered by those who have had their rectum partially or completely removed, with or without the addition of radiotherapy. This is often performed for cancer of the rectum. The symptoms suffered in those with LARS include bowel incontinence or difficulty in emptying their bowels. The mechanism of action for this is poorly understood. No definite change in anal sphincter function has been identified using standard tests.
New high resolution computerised technology used for the assessment of anal sphincter function has been developed (high resolution anorectal manometry, or HR-ARM). This allows new and more accurate information to be gathered about anal sphincter function.
A recent published paper has reported that there may be a difference in slow wave anal sphincter contractions between normal subjects and those who have had rectal cancer operated on. These slow wave contractions are easily discernable using the high resolution anal manometry technology. They are likely to have a role in fine control of one's bowel motions.
Patients may have an ileo-anal pouch, when their entire colon and rectum is removed (such as for treatment for ulcerative colitis). This requires part of the small bowel turned into a pouch and stapled onto the anal sphincter. This presents an alternative to a permanent ileostomy.
The aim of this study is to record the number of anal sphincter slow waves in those who have an ileoanal pouch (or in those who have had their entire rectum removed). This information may offer insight into why people develop LARS.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
21/WS/0090
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion