Constipation is one of the most common complications in patients with advanced cancer. The aim of this protocol designed as a double-blind randomized controlled trial is to investigate the efficacy of laser acupuncture (LA) therapy on constipation in patients with advanced cancer.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
74
Laser acupuncture is a non-invasive therapy that involves stimulation of traditional acupoints with low-intensity, non-thermal laser irradiation.
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
RECRUITINGComplete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM)
CSBM is defined as an spontaneous bowel movements associated with a sensation of complete evacuation. The number of CSBM within one week will be recorded.
Time frame: 1 week
Comfort levels during defecation
Estimated using a 10-cm visual analogue scale with anchor points of 0 (no discomfort) and 10 (maximum discomfort).
Time frame: 1 week
Symptoms of constipation
A five-symptoms questionnaire for measuring the severity of constipation including straining during defecation, abdominal pain during defecation, hard stools, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage. Each item is rated on a four point Likert scale that ranges from severe symptom (4 points) to no symptom (1 point).
Time frame: 1 week
Colonic motility
Measured by auscultation of the lower right abdomen with a stethoscope.
Time frame: 1 week
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