Low-level laser therapy for chronic refractory constipation

The study is the first study to investigate the treatment of chronic refractory constipation using low-level laser therapy (LLLT), to essentially enhance the defecation reflex. The patients are monitored in Dr. Jihong Chen’s colon motility clinic at McMaster University Medical Centre.

What is low-level laser therapy?

Low-level laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation or neuromodulation, provides red and infrared light energy non-invasively to the sacral nerves and sacral neuronal center of the defecation reflex, to restore motility homeostasis. Low-level laser therapy has already been proven to be effective in treating back pain with a variety of neurological conditions. The same Health Canada-approved protocol for lower back pain is used in this study.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 – 95
• Diagnosis of chronic refractory constipation
• Without contraindications for low-level laser therapy

Study Duration:

• Eight one-hour visits over three weeks

What the study involves?

The LLLT therapy consists of eight treatment sessions. Treatment effects will be assessed using symptoms and quality of life questionnaires, as well as physiological anorectal motility tests and autonomic assessments before, during and after the LLLT treatment.

Compensation

Parking reimbursement will be provided.

Contact us to know further information about the study:

Research Principal investigator: Dr. Jihong Chen MD PhD. Email: chen338@mcmaster.ca

Research Coordinator: Lijun Liu, PhD Candidate. Email: liul25@mcmaster.ca

Sponsor Funding/Funding Disclosures:

This study is supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR)

Research Team:

Dr. Jihong Chen, Dr. Jan D. Huizinga, Ms Lijun Liu, Mr. Amer Hussain, Mr. Khawar Ali.

This study was approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (#5714).