Effect of melatonin in patients with low anterior resection syndrome (MELLARS): a study protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

After rectal cancer surgery, a majority of patients suffer from sequelae known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). It is a collection of symptoms consisting of flatus and/or stool incontinence, evacuation frequency, re-evacuation and urgency. The circadian hormone, melatonin, has shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, and in high doses, it reduces bowel movements. The aim of the study is to investigate if locally administered melatonin has an alleviating effect on LARS. Secondarily, the effect of melatonin on bowel movements, other patient-reported symptoms, quality of life, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, motilin levels and rectal mucosa histology will be examined.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-bli

SUBMITTER: Zahid JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10496695 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature