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Loperamide

The group only takes loperamide in the evening.

The group takes Loperamide in the evening and undergoes Transanal irrigation before bedtime.

The combination of transanal irrigation (TAI) and Loperamide (Lopmin®) involves administering Loperamide orally, with a daily dosage of 2 mg for males (2 tablets once daily) and 1 tablet for females (1 tablet once daily). This is complemented by the use of TAI, a method in which patients self-administer water into the rectum through an enema, aiming to enhance bowel management and potentially alleviate symptoms associated with LARS (Low Anterior Resection Syndrome).

Transanal Irrigation (TAI)

Seung-Bum Ryoo, MD. PhD

Seung-Bum Ryoo, MD, PhD

The preservation surgery of the anal sphincter muscle has become the standard procedure in the treatment of rectal cancer and, thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, can now be performed for tumors located closer to the anus. This method allows patients to avoid a permanent artificial anus, maintaining continuity of the intestines and enabling bowel movements through the anus, making it a highly preferred procedure. Furthermore, advancements in various tumor treatments have led to improved long-term survival rates.

Preservation surgery of the anal sphincter muscle is commonly used in the treatment of rectal cancer, resulting in approximately 90% of patients experiencing changes in bowel habits after surgery. These changes include characteristic diarrhea, urgent bowel movements, frequent bowel movements, and fecal incontinence, collectively known as Anterior Resection Syndrome (ARS). Particularly in the case of low rectal cancer, it often manifests as Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). These symptoms are most severe immediately after surgery, generally persisting in a significant degree for 1-2 years, with some improvement over time. However, for many patients, LARS remains a lifelong challenge, significantly impacting their quality of life. Nighttime symptoms of LARS, in particular, have a profound effect on sleep quality, potentially leading to a decline in overall quality of life.

Currently, there is no definitive method to completely cure LARS, and the available approaches focus on empirical treatments or short-term symptom control using medications such as loperamide.

Loperamide directly affects the neuromuscular system of the intestine, reducing its motility. This prolongs the time food stays in the intestine, allowing sufficient absorption of moisture and electrolytes, consequently reducing symptoms of diarrhea. Loperamide is available in two forms: loperamide oxide and loperamide hydrochloride. While loperamide oxide products like Arestal® were prescribed by doctors until August 2017, the approval was revoked, leaving loperamide hydrochloride as the only form used domestically. It comes in a single product containing 2 mg of loperamide hydrochloride and a combination product with 0.25 mg of loperamide hydrochloride, a sterilizing agent in the intestine (e.g., acrylonitrile, berberine), and an antispasmodic.

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a method where patients self-administer water into the rectum through an enema, physically cleansing the anus and rectum. This technique is often used for patients with chronic constipation or fecal incontinence. TAI has proven beneficial, particularly in improving symptoms for patients experiencing bowel dysfunction following sphincter-preserving surgery, especially for those who underwent low anterior resection.

However, there is currently no research on the utility and safety of TAI for LARS patients, specifically addressing whether it can improve the nighttime symptoms associated with LARS syndrome and enhance sleep quality. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of TAI on the quality of sleep in patients with nighttime symptoms of LARS syndrome.

The Safety and Efficacy of Transanal Irrigation in Patients With Sleep Disturbance From Low Anterior Resection Syndrome After Rectal Cancer Surgery (TraLARS)

The Safety and Efficacy of Transanal Irrigation in Patients With Sleep Disturbance From Low Anterior Resection Syndrome After Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial (TraLARS)

A survey was conducted, scoring patients' symptoms related to LARS.

A survey was conducted, scoring patients' symptoms related to Insomnia

A survey was conducted, scoring patients' symptoms related to LARS and Quality of Life

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center

National Cancer Center, Korea

Seoul National University Hospital

Study title	NCT ID	Conditions	Interventions	Eligibility	Organization	Link
The Safety and Efficacy of Transanal Irrigation in Patients With Sleep Disturbance From Low Anterior Resection Syndrome After Rectal Cancer Surgery (TraLARS)	NCT06222255	Low Anterior Re... Rectal Cancer Insomnia Sleep Disorder	Transanal Irrig...	19 Years - 80 Years	Seoul National University Hospital
The Safety and Efficacy of Transanal Irrigation in Patients With Sleep Disturbance From Low Anterior Resection Syndrome After Rectal Cancer Surgery (TraLARS)	NCT06222255	Low Anterior Re... Rectal Cancer Insomnia Sleep Disorder	Transanal Irrig...	19 Years - 80 Years	Seoul National University Hospital

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