Evaluation of the length of the rectum
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of the Length of the Rectum in human patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery and a cadaveric study
IRAS ID
163805
Contact name
Robin Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Keele University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to assess the length of the normal rectum in patients who are undergoing keyhole surgery. It's a prospective observational study that will include patients with a normal rectum undergoing keyhole bowel surgery.
Currently the length of the rectum is arbitrarily set at 15cm from the anal verge (the anal sphincter). This measurement is used to determine if a tumour is rectal or not thereby influencing the use of chemo radiotherapy in its management. This study could potentially redefine the length of the rectum and allow more appropriate management of patients with rectal cancer.
We will take measurements using a rigid sigmoidoscope. This is a thin plastic tube that is introduced into the anus to visualise the rectum and measure points of insertion. It is a routine procedure that is performed in awake patients in colorectal clinic with negligible morbidity. In our study, we would take keyhole guided measurements using the sigmoidoscope after we have gained keyhole access under general anaesthesia. This will add approximately 5 minutes to the overall operation time of 2-3 hours in these patients.
We would preoperatively record the patients’ age, gender, height and weight. We would intraoperatively take 5 separate measurements which are:
•Location 15 centimetres from the anal verge with reference to the four anatomical landmarks chosen for this study as below
•Distance at which the taeniae coli coalesce
•Distance of Anterior peritoneal reflection
•Distance of Lateral peritoneal reflection
•Distance of Sacral promontory
This data will be analysed to determine the length of the rectum and their relationship to gender and height.
We may also take photographs of inside the abdomen to show the anatomy of the rectum if patients consent.
We will do the same measurements on cadavers at keele univeristy subject to appropriate institutional approval.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
14/WS/1142
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion