EVASION-CIPO
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effects of VAgal StimulaTION in Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (EVASION-CIPO) – A Feasibility Study
IRAS ID
229564
Contact name
Adam D Farmer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 14 days
Research summary
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare disorder which reduces the speed of movement (motility) of food, fluids and air through the digestive system. The mid-section of the digestive system (small bowel) is usually worst affected. Symptoms are severe and include pain and nausea. CIPO is difficult to treat, as many of the current drugs used to manage specific symptoms can further slow digestive system motility. Therefore, new treatments are urgently needed.
The automatic (autonomic) nervous system has two branches referred to as the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, which controls a number of bodily functions. The parasympathetic branch, whose main nerve is the vagus nerve, is responsible for increasing digestive movements but also has important influences on reducing pain/nausea. The vagus nerve can be stimulated by deep breathing techniques and using a handheld device which electrically stimulates the nerve through the skin in the neck.
We propose to undertake a feasibility study, at the University Hospitals of North Midlands, to assess whether it is possible to undertake a definitive study to evaluate whether vagus nerve stimulation will reduce pain and nausea and improve small bowel motility and quality of life in patients with CIPO.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EM/0407
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion