Recruiting

Brain Stimulation to Help Bowel Function After Rectal Cancer Surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT06082648 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated October 2023 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain—can help improve bowel control and function after surgery for rectal cancer. The study will compare patients who receive real TMS treatment versus a sham (fake) treatment, and will measure changes in brain activity, bowel function, and quality of life before and after the procedure.

After surgery to remove ultra-low rectal tumors, many patients experience changes in bowel function and control. This trial is exploring whether stimulating the brain regions that control bowel function can help retrain and restore normal function, potentially improving patients' quality of life after recovery.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with an ultra-low rectal tumor and have had intersphincteric resection surgery
you have undergone preventive ileostomy (a temporary opening for waste) as part of your surgery
you are willing and able to provide informed consent to participate
you are scheduled to have or have recently had your ileostomy closed

You likely don't qualify if…

you experienced serious complications after your surgery, such as a leak at the surgical connection site
you have advanced cancer, cancer recurrence, or cancer that has spread to other parts of your body
you have metal implants in your body, severe claustrophobia, or other conditions that would make brain imaging unsafe
you have a history of epilepsy, unstable heart disease, or other conditions that would make brain stimulation unsafe
you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What participation looks like

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive real brain stimulation or sham (fake) stimulation, either before or after their ileostomy closure procedure. Over several weeks, you will visit the hospital for brain stimulation sessions and brain imaging scans (fMRI). You will also complete questionnaires about your bowel function and quality of life, and undergo bowel function testing before and after treatment. The entire study process typically takes several months.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 21, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai