Clinical Research Directory

Advanced Endoscopic Resections for Rectal Neoplasms

This study evaluates how advanced endoscopic resection techniques affect treatment outcomes in adults with rectal cancer. Rectal cancer has traditionally been treated with standard abdominal surgery. Newer endoscopic techniques allow removal of selected early tumors and may reduce treatment-related complications. However, their effectiveness and safety in tumors with deeper invasion are not yet fully established. This multicenter retrospective observational study uses existing medical records from adults who underwent endoscopic or surgical resection of rectal tumors between 2015 and 2025. Researchers will analyze anonymized information on procedures performed and treatment outcomes to assess the safety and effectiveness of advanced endoscopic approaches. The results of this study may help guide treatment selection and improve care for people with rectal cancer.

Use of a Novel Camera to Check the Bowel After Polyp or Tumour Removal

1.1 Polyps or tumours in the lower part of the bowel (rectum) can be removed using instruments inserted through the bottom which avoids major surgery and the possibility of a stoma bag (colostomy). Afterwards, it is important to check the area with regular camera tests. If checks are delayed, re-growths could be serious and may be untreatable. COVID and other factors have led to long waiting lists for camera checks and in NHS Lothian around 20% of all camera checks are done more than 6 months late. The investigators want to try a new camera and approach that would allow us to reduce waiting lists. Using a short camera called a 'rectoscope' to check the lower bowel has already been shown to be safe, comfortable and acceptable to patients with other conditions. In fact, patients are unlikely to feel or realise any difference between the rectoscope and standard camera tests. The investigators want to show that this 'rectoscope' can be safely used in the outpatient clinic with an enema (suppository) instead of strong bowel medicine taken by mouth the day before. This would mean the camera checks happen on time and would reduce waiting lists for other important tests. The investigators will include 30 patients across three stages of our study. In the first set of patients, the investigators will use the rectoscope alongside the usual endoscope in the endoscopy room using the usual oral bowel medicine. This stage will check the rectoscope is acceptable to the patient and the doctor. In the next 10 patients the investigators will use a suppository instead of oral bowel medicine still using both cameras. Finally, the investigators will use the rectoscope in the outpatient clinic with an suppository to show this is an easy, effective and acceptable way to deliver timely camera checks.

PARADIGM - En Bloc Trial With the EndoQuest Endoluminal Surgical (ELS) System

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Endoluminal Surgical (ELS) System in subjects undergoing specified transanal endoluminal procedures in the rectum and sigmoid colon. Subjects will undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), with or without closure at the discretion of the Investigator, of benign lesions in the rectum and sigmoid colon. The safety and effectiveness outcomes will be assessed intraoperatively and postoperatively at discharge and Days 7 and 30.