Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation & postoperative bowel function

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  An investigation of transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation on return of bowel function and inflammatory markers after colorectal surgery

• IRAS ID

  217051

• Contact name

  David G Jayne

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Leeds

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 5 months, 31 days

• Research summary

  Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication after colorectal surgery (surgery of the large bowel and rectum). It is characterised by a slow return of normal bowel function, giving rise to symptoms such as bloating, constipation and vomiting. This increases the risk of other serious complications, increases healthcare costs and reduces patient satisfaction.

  We aim to test a new treatment to prevent or reduce POI in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Patients will self-administer a non-invasive nerve stimulator device for five days before and after surgery. This will be a randomised study with some patients allocated to the "active" stimulator, and others allocated to a "dummy" (sham) stimulator.

  Bowel function will be assessed via short daily consultations during their hospital admission, a short series of blood tests to measure markers of inflammation and an MRI scan to visualise the bowel.

• REC name

  North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  17/NE/0091

• Date of REC Opinion

  4 Apr 2017

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion