Measuring blood flow in the human rectum using ultrasound v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study on measuring blood perfusion of the human rectum using ultrasound detectable microbubble technology
IRAS ID
145399
Contact name
Danilo Miskovic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Research summary
An anastomosis is the surgical join of two bowel ends. Leakage from these joins have severe implications for patients(healing ,recovery,lifestyle - need for stoma) and health care services alike (additional procedures/ length of stay/ clinical care/ costs).This problem is particularly noticeable in patients having the join located close to the anus. Results from previous studies imply that this problem is related to poor blood flow in the region of the join. Until today, we have no accurate way of measuring blood flow around the anastomosis.
The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a minimally-invasive method of assessing the blood flow of the inner lining of the bowel by injecting microbubbles (brand name 'SonoVue')into the bloodstream of healthy adult volunteers and locating them using an ultrasound probe designed to be inserted through the anus. All participants will need to have a intravenous cannula, undergo bowel clearence using an enema and undergo digital rectal examination prior to the investigation. The test will be performed by a trained radiologist. Each participant will be seen once in the outpatient radiology department and each individual session will last for a maximum of 1 hour.
The microbubble ultrasound method is used in daily clinical practice for both intraluminal (through the food pipe) and extraluminal (using an external abdominal wall probe) in order to measure blood flow in organs such as the heart or the liver.
We will collect data on the wash-in and wash-out times and intensity curves of the contrast agent in the rectal wall. This data will be valuable to help us understand the feasibility of using this method for measuring perfusion in the rectum and may have important implications for further studies in real patients.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1123
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion