Blood test may spot hidden nerve damage behind chronic constipation

NCT ID NCT05016700

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Evangelisches Klinikum Köln Weyertal gGmbH Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 04, 2026 · Last updated Aug 05, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether a blood test can identify nerve damage in the bowel wall that may cause chronic constipation and defecation disorders. Researchers will compare blood samples and tissue from 100 adults undergoing surgery for obstructive defecation disorder to see if certain markers correlate with the degree of nerve cell loss. The goal is to find a less invasive way to diagnose this neuropathic cause, potentially leading to new treatments that address the root problem.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: blood sample
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a simple blood test to identify patients with nerve damage in the bowel, enabling more targeted treatments.
What could go wrong: This is an early exploratory study, and the blood test may not reliably reflect nerve damage. The findings may not apply to all patients with defecation disorders.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autoimmune disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES DEFECATION DISORDER NEUROPATHOLOGY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Evangelisches Klinikum Koeln Weyertal

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, 50931, Germany

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