RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Study of Postoperative Ileus in Digestive Surgery

After bowel surgery, some people experience a temporary problem called 'post-operative ileus', where their bowels temporarily stop working. This can happen in up to 1 in 5 cases and can lead to treatments like a feeding tube or medicines. The problem is, there isn't a clear, agreed definition for this condition, making it hard to study and treat consistently. This research aims to test a new scoring system, called the IFEED score, which helps define post-operative ileus. By comparing this score to how long patients stay in hospital, the study hopes to find a more reliable way to identify and understand this common surgical complication, ultimately improving patient care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrolment target

161

Start

24 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

15 Jun 2026

Colorectal Surgery

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a common issue that can happen after surgery, especially bowel surgery, called 'post-operative ileus'. This is when your bowels temporarily 'fall asleep' and stop moving food through your system as they normally would. Think of it like a brief pause in your digestive system after a big operation. While it's usually temporary, it can feel uncomfortable and might mean you need extra care, like not being able to eat or drink for a while, or needing a special tube to help your stomach empty.

At the moment, different doctors and hospitals might have slightly different ideas about exactly what counts as post-operative ileus. This makes it tricky to compare how well different treatments work, or even to properly understand how often it happens. This study is hoping to make things clearer by testing a new way to describe and measure post-operative ileus, using something called the IFEED score. This score looks at things like whether you feel sick, if you're throwing up, and how long you have symptoms.

The main goal is to see if this new IFEED score is a good and reliable way to identify post-operative ileus. The researchers will compare it to how long patients need to stay in hospital after their surgery, as this is a very clear and measurable outcome. By finding a better and more consistent way to define post-operative ileus, doctors can hopefully improve care for patients and make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to understanding and treating this common post-surgery problem.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on a common post-surgery problem called 'post-operative ileus'.
It aims to find a better way to define this condition using a new scoring system.
Participation means no extra tests, medications, or clinic visits for you.
Your treatment will remain exactly the same as if you weren't in the study.
Your involvement could help improve future patient care after bowel surgery.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are having digestive tract surgery at the hospital where the study is taking place. This includes operations for conditions like bowel cancer, long-term inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), or issues with pouches in the large bowel called diverticulosis.

However, there are certain situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your surgery involves removing other organs at the same time, or if you're having certain chemotherapy treatments within your abdomen. Also, if your bowel problem is due to another complication not directly related to your surgery, or if you're being treated in an emergency, you wouldn't be eligible.

Other reasons for not being able to take part include if you're having very complex or multiple bowel surgeries, if your surgery is very close to the end of your bowel, or if you have certain existing health conditions that are considered more serious (doctors use scoring systems like ASA and ECOG to assess this). Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those under certain adult protection schemes, are also not able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having bowel surgery for conditions like cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulosis?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you not having very complex or multiple abdominal surgeries at the same time?
Is your surgery not an emergency?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new medications or treatments specifically for the research. Instead, the study will simply involve your medical team collecting extra information about your recovery after your digestive surgery. Researchers will keep track of your progress from the day of your operation until you are discharged from the hospital. They will specifically be looking at how your bowels recover and noting down things related to the IFEED score, such as whether you feel sick, if you're vomiting, and other symptoms. This information will help them understand how well the IFEED score works.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any additional medical procedures or changes to your planned treatment, so there are no direct physical risks from participating. You will continue to receive the best standard care for your surgery and recovery. The main benefit is that your contribution will help doctors better understand and define post-operative ileus, potentially leading to improved care for future patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect the quality of your medical care.

Locations (2)

CHU de Toulouse
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France· Recruiting
INSERM
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is post-operative ileus?

It's a common, temporary problem after surgery, especially bowel surgery, where your digestive system 'pauses' and doesn't move food through as it usually would.

Will I be given any new medicines?

No, you won't be given any new medicines or treatments as part of this study. You will receive your usual care from your medical team.

What will I have to do if I join?

You won't have to do anything extra. The research team will simply gather information from your medical records about your recovery after surgery.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be involved from the time of your surgery until you leave the hospital. There are no follow-up appointments after you are discharged specifically for the study.

Why is this study important?

It aims to find a clearer, more consistent way for doctors to define and measure post-operative ileus, which could help improve patient care in the future.

How to find out more

Guillaume LE COSQUER, MD

lecosquer.g@chu-toulouse.fr 5 61 32 27 61 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.