PTNS as a Treatment for Tenesmus
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PTNS as a Treatment for Tenesmus: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Tenesmus in Patients with Pelvic Floor Disorders.
IRAS ID
152830
Contact name
L Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Clinical Research Office, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
This is a pilot study looking to see if Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is an effective treatment for those suffering with tenesmus – a feeling of a need to open your bowels and pass stool when the bowels are empty. This symptom is seen in patients with pelvic floor disorders. These include those with rectal cancer, those who are post-rectal cancer treatment and have developed Anterior Resection Syndrome and those that have tenesmus relating to a gynaecological condition.
PTNS involves 12 half hour sessions (once a week for 12 weeks) where a needle electrode is inserted into their ankle and stimulated. This procedure is well-tolerated, poses minimal risk to the patient, and is much cheaper in comparison to surgical options (e.g. sacral neuromodulation). The COREFO (COloRectal Functional Outcome) questionnaire, electronic personal assessment questionnaire (e-PAQ) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) will be completed at the start of the treatment and again 2 weeks following the 12th weekly treatment. The results from the questionnaires will be compared to assess the degree of change in their symptoms, quality of life and levels of anxiety and depression.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1016
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion