Low Level Laser Therapy for Bowel Incontinence
(LLLT-FI Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing a special light therapy to help people who can't control their bowel movements and haven't been helped by other treatments. The therapy involves multiple sessions over a few weeks. Researchers will check if it improves symptoms and quality of life by looking at questionnaires and physical tests.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking steroids, you will need to stop them to participate in this trial.
How does low level laser therapy (LLLT) differ from other treatments for bowel incontinence?
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for bowel incontinence?
Research shows that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) helps with wound healing, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain by promoting cell growth and repair. While these studies focus on wound healing, the positive effects on tissue repair and inflammation suggest potential benefits for other conditions, like bowel incontinence.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jihong Chen, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
McMaster University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with severe fecal incontinence, which means they have trouble controlling their bowel movements. It's not open to pregnant people, those on steroids, anyone with active deep vein thrombosis or bleeding in the treatment area, light-sensitive patients, or if there are tattoos or known cancers where the therapy will be applied.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive low level laser therapy for fecal incontinence over 3 weeks, with a total of 8 sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in fecal incontinence episodes, symptoms score, and quality of life at 4 and 12 weeks after the start of treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Low level laser therapy (LLLT)
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:
- Pain relief
- Wound healing
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Fecal incontinence (investigational)
- Pain relief
- Wound healing
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Pain relief
- Wound healing
- Musculoskeletal conditions
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
McMaster University
Lead Sponsor