1. A randomized clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor physiotherapy for bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of patients with rectal cancer: CARRET protocol.
- Author
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Sacomori C, Lorca LA, Martinez-Mardones M, Salas-Ocaranza RI, Reyes-Reyes GP, Pizarro-Hinojosa MN, and Plasser-Troncoso J
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Australia, Humans, Middle Aged, Physical Therapy Modalities, Postoperative Complications, Quality of Life, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Syndrome, Treatment Outcome, Young Adult, Pelvic Floor surgery, Rectal Neoplasms surgery
- Abstract
Background: There is scarcity of trials about preventative strategies for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in rectal cancer patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor rehabilitation program on the bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of rectal cancer patients., Methods: A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups (pelvic floor rehabilitation versus control group), with a blinded evaluator., Participants and Setting: 56 stage I to III rectal cancer patients aged from 18 to 80 years old undergoing sphincter preservation surgery at Hospital del Salvador and who have a sufficient knowledge of Spanish., Main Outcome Measures: ICIQ-B questionnaire for intestinal symptoms, high-resolution anorectal manometry (Alacer Multiplex 24-channel manometry equipment) for anorectal function, pelvic floor muscle strength test with Oxford Modified Scale, and a quality of life test with the EORTC QLQ C30 questionnaire. The evaluations will be carried out at five stages: before surgery, before and after the pelvic floor rehabilitation, and during a 3-month and 1-year follow-up., Interventions: one pre-rehabilitation session and 9 to 12 sessions of pelvic floor rehabilitation, including patient education, pelvic floor muscle exercises, pelvic floor electromyography biofeedback, and capacitive and sensory rectal training with a balloon probe. Rehabilitation will begin 3-5 weeks before the ileostomy is removed (four sessions) and around 3 weeks after stoma removal (5-8 sessions)., Discussion: We expect the program to improve the bowel symptoms, pelvic floor function, and quality of life of rectal cancer patients., Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12620000040965 . Registered on 21 January 2020., (© 2021. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2021
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