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Colonic CancerMATRAC_TerNCT07713472

Abdominal Massage After Colon Surgery for Cancer

A study testing ABDOMINAL MASSAGE and Usual physiotherapeutic intervention in people with Colonic Cancer, run by University Hospital, Grenoble at 1 site in France.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Postoperative ileus is a transient gastrointestinal dysmotility following abdominal surgery that leads to bloating, abdominal distention, visceral pain, nausea, vomiting, and delayed passage of flatus and stool. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Colonic Cancer
What is being tested?
ABDOMINAL MASSAGE and Usual physiotherapeutic intervention
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
225 participants
Where
1 siteFrance
Study dates
Jul 2026to 31 Aug 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults programmed to undergo surgery involving right, transverse or left colectomy due to cancer with anastomosis, regardless the approach (laparoscopy.
  • Laparotomy and Robot-assisted). Patients must be able to follow the colorectal surgery unit's ERAS protocol.
  • All included patients are required to have signed a study specific written informed consent form prior to inclusion in the trial.

Who cannot join

  • Patients required emergency surgery (obstruction or peritonitis),
  • A stoma for whatever reason,
  • Rectal cancer,
  • BMI > 40,
  • Psychiatric disorders,
  • An associated procedure, extensive resection,
  • Pregnancy, deprivation of liberty by judicial or administrative decision, or being under legal protection and patients with a hierarchical link to the principal investigator.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

France1 site
  • CHU Grenoble Alpes

    Grenoble, 38043

    mihaela BARBUT, MD, 33(0)476764802, MBarbut@chu-grenoble.fr

    Fatah TIDADINI, 04.76.76.70.79, FTidadini@chu-grenoble.fr

Other trials in France

About this study

Official title: Benefits of Abdominal Massage After Colon Surgery for Cancer Following an ERAS Protocol (MATRAC_Ter): a Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

Postoperative ileus is a transient gastrointestinal dysmotility following abdominal surgery that leads to bloating, abdominal distention, visceral pain, nausea, vomiting, and delayed passage of flatus and stool. This paralytic state lasts longer when surgery involves the distal rather than the proximal digestive tract. Its incidence following colorectal surgery is between 10% and 30%. The main factors of postoperative ileus include age, predisposed constipation, method of anesthesia, type of surgical approach, perioperative analgesia, inflammatory reactions, and the psychopathology of the patient.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) provides patients with optimal means to counteract or minimize the deleterious effects of surgery, in particular toward minimizing postoperative ileus. Expert consensus among surgeons, anesthesiologists, physiotherapists, dieticians, and other team members has been reached that stated 24 clinical statements concerning preoperative, peroperative and postoperative periods that should be included in current rehabilitation programs in colorectal surgery.

Read more

In China, massage, a 3000-year-old therapy guided by the theory of Yin and Yang, is widely used to treat various diseases. Chapelle and Bowe showed that abdominal massage reduced experimental postoperative ileus in a rat model and suggested that the effect was due to the attenuation of inflammation.

Abdominal massage has not widely been applied after colorectal surgery. Due to the scarcity of literature on abdominal massage, it has never been considered to be part of ERAS recommendations in colorectal surgery. Nevertheless, massage involving profound maneuvering of the viscera through abdominal palpation and breathing has been used as part of the local postoperative protocol in our department for many years with interesting results, and no complication has been reported. To our knowledge, only one study has explored the effect of mechanical abdominal massage on the duration of ileus after colectomy.

The aim of this prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to compare return of intestinal transit using the GI-2 criteria as defined by the time to first defecation and time to tolerance of solid food following the operation in two groups of patients following an ERAS protocol for colonic cancer surgery, one with and the other without early postoperative abdominal massage.

Conditions
Colonic Cancer
Being tested
ABDOMINAL MASSAGE, Usual physiotherapeutic intervention
Keywords
Postoperative ileus, Surgery, Colonic cancer, Abdominal massage, Physiotherapy
Medical subject headings
Colonic Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • ABDOMINAL MASSAGEOther

    Abdominal massage is not widely applied amongst general surgery team and is not part of the recommendation. This technique refers to profound manœuvrers of visceras through abdominal palpation and breathing, and has been used as part of the local protocol of Grenoble Alps University Hospital for many years with satisfactory results. No complications have been reported.

  • Usual physiotherapeutic interventionOther

    the usual physiotherapeutic intervention (respiratory and walking exercices). Each patients will be treated following the ERAS Guideline. - At D + 1post-surgical: 1 - First lift with verticalization. 2 - A session with the Cliniflo® in a seated position. 3 - Walk at least 100 m with the help of the physiotherapist. At- D + 2 and D + 3 post-surgical Same session as on D + 1 with progressive increase in the walking perimeter. Add up and down stairs on D+ 3 In this experimental arm, a abdominal massage will be performed in addition to the usual physiotherapeutic intervention (respiratory and walking exercices). The sessions take place on D+1, D+2 and D+3 post-surgical The first session is performed at least 20 hours after surgery (incision begins) Never within an hour of a meal. The session is timed.

Study groups in NCT07713472
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
abdominal massage and usual physiotherapeutic interventionExperimentalthe usual physiotherapeutic intervention (respiratory and walking exercices). Each patients will be treated following the ERAS Guideline. - At D + 1post-surgical: 1 - First lift with verticalization. 2 - A session with the Cliniflo® in a seated position. 3 - Walk at least 100 m with the help of the physiotherapist. At- D + 2 and D + 3 post-surgical Same session as on D + 1 with progressive increase in the walking perimeter. Add up and down stairs on D+ 3 In this experimental arm, a abdominal massage will be performed in addition to the usual physiotherapeutic intervention (respiratory and walking exercices). The sessions take place on D+1, D+2 and D+3 post-surgical The first session is performed at least 20 hours after surgery (incision begins) Never within an hour of a meal. The session is timed.
Receives: Other: ABDOMINAL MASSAGE; Other: Usual physiotherapeutic intervention
Usual physiotherapeutic interventionActive comparatorthe usual physiotherapeutic intervention (respiratory and walking exercises). Each patient will be treated following the ERAS Guideline. - At D + 1 post-surgical: 1 - First lift with verticalization. 2 - A session with the Cliniflo® in a seated position. 3 - Walk at least 100 m with the help of the physiotherapist. At- D+2 and D+3 post-surgical Same session as on D+1 with progressive increase in the walking perimeter. Add up and down stairs on D+ 3.
Receives: Other: Usual physiotherapeutic intervention

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal massage on the resumption of digestive transit after colonic resection surgery for cancer as part of ERAS protocol.

    The primary outcomes is the return of intestinal transit, as defined by the time to first defaecation and time to tolerance of solid food following the operation, calculated in hours from skin closure.

    Measured: Through study completion, 30 days

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Jul 2026
  2. Study startJul 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Aug 2028 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
225 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07713472
Sponsor's protocol ID
38RC26.0102
Acronym
MATRAC_Ter
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
26 Jun 2026
Last updated
20 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • van Bree SH, Vlug MS, Bemelman WA, Hollmann MW, Ubbink DT, Zwinderman AH, de Jonge WJ, Snoek SA, Bolhuis K, van der Zanden E, The FO, Bennink RJ, Boeckxstaens GE. Faster recovery of gastrointestinal transit after laparoscopy and fast-track care in patients undergoing colonic surgery. Gastroenterology. 2011 Sep;141(3):872-880.e1-4. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.05.034. Epub 2011 May 26.

    PubMed 21699777
  • Le Blanc-Louvry I, Costaglioli B, Boulon C, Leroi AM, Ducrotte P. Does mechanical massage of the abdominal wall after colectomy reduce postoperative pain and shorten the duration of ileus? Results of a randomized study. J Gastrointest Surg. 2002 Jan-Feb;6(1):43-9. doi: 10.1016/s1091-255x(01)00009-9.

    PubMed 11986017
  • Vincent D, Barbut M, Fisher J, et al. Is there any benefit to immediate postoperative abdominal massage in colorectal surgery? La revue de kinésithérapie 2026; in press

  • Faucheron JL, Vincent D, Barbut M, Jacquet-Perrin I, Sage PY, Foote A, Quesada JL, Trilling B, Tidadini F. How long for gastrointestinal recovery following small bowel, right, or left colonic resection with anastomosis in a full fast-track recovery protocol? Int J Colorectal Dis. 2025 Apr 14;40(1):93. doi: 10.1007/s00384-025-04855-4.

    PubMed 40229620
  • Faucheron JL, Vincent D, Barbut M, Jacquet-Perrin I, Sage PY, Foote A, Bellier A, Quesada JL, Tidadini F, Trilling B. Abdominal massage to prevent ileus after colorectal surgery. A single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial: the MATRAC Trial. Tech Coloproctol. 2024 Mar 22;28(1):42. doi: 10.1007/s10151-024-02914-6.

    PubMed 38517591
  • Wang Y, Xu J, Bao R, Li Z. Massage for gastrointestinal function among participants after abdominal surgery. A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine 21201.100(49):e28087 12. Chapelle SL, Bove GM. Visceral massage reduces postoperative ileus in a rat model. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2013;17:83-88

  • Trilling B, Sage PY, Faucheron JL. What is fast track multimodal management of colorectal cancer surgery in real life? Tech Coloproctol. 2018 May;22(5):401-402. doi: 10.1007/s10151-018-1799-9. Epub 2018 Jun 1. No abstract available.

    PubMed 29855815
  • Gustafsson UO, Scott MJ, Hubner M, Nygren J, Demartines N, Francis N, Rockall TA, Young-Fadok TM, Hill AG, Soop M, de Boer HD, Urman RD, Chang GJ, Fichera A, Kessler H, Grass F, Whang EE, Fawcett WJ, Carli F, Lobo DN, Rollins KE, Balfour A, Baldini G, Riedel B, Ljungqvist O. Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS(R)) Society Recommendations: 2018. World J Surg. 2019 Mar;43(3):659-695. doi: 10.1007/s00268-018-4844-y.

    PubMed 30426190
  • Alfonsi P, Slim K, Chauvin M, Mariani P, Faucheron JL, Fletcher D; Working Group of Societe francaise d'anesthesie et reanimation (SFAR); Societe francaise de chirurgie digestive (SFCD). French guidelines for enhanced recovery after elective colorectal surgery. J Visc Surg. 2014 Feb;151(1):65-79. doi: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2013.10.006. Epub 2013 Dec 27.

    PubMed 24378143
  • Mazzotta E, Villalobos-Hernandez EC, Fiorda-Diaz J, Harzman A, Christofi FL. Postoperative Ileus and Postoperative Gastrointestinal Tract Dysfunction: Pathogenic Mechanisms and Novel Treatment Strategies Beyond Colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Nov 24;11:583422. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.583422. eCollection 2020.

    PubMed 33390950
  • Bragg D, El-Sharkawy AM, Psaltis E, Maxwell-Armstrong CA, Lobo DN. Postoperative ileus: Recent developments in pathophysiology and management. Clin Nutr. 2015 Jun;34(3):367-76. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2015.01.016. Epub 2015 Jan 31.

    PubMed 25819420
  • Sugawara K, Kawaguchi Y, Nomura Y, Suka Y, Kawasaki K, Uemura Y, Koike D, Nagai M, Furuya T, Tanaka N. Perioperative Factors Predicting Prolonged Postoperative Ileus After Major Abdominal Surgery. J Gastrointest Surg. 2018 Mar;22(3):508-515. doi: 10.1007/s11605-017-3622-8. Epub 2017 Nov 8.

    PubMed 29119528
  • Venara A, Neunlist M, Slim K, Barbieux J, Colas PA, Hamy A, Meurette G. Postoperative ileus: Pathophysiology, incidence, and prevention. J Visc Surg. 2016 Dec;153(6):439-446. doi: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2016.08.010. Epub 2016 Sep 23.

    PubMed 27666979
  • Kronberg U, Kiran RP, Soliman MS, Hammel JP, Galway U, Coffey JC, Fazio VW. A characterization of factors determining postoperative ileus after laparoscopic colectomy enables the generation of a novel predictive score. Ann Surg. 2011 Jan;253(1):78-81. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e3181fcb83e.

    PubMed 21233608
  • Vather R, Trivedi S, Bissett I. Defining postoperative ileus: results of a systematic review and global survey. J Gastrointest Surg. 2013 May;17(5):962-72. doi: 10.1007/s11605-013-2148-y. Epub 2013 Feb 2.

    PubMed 23377782

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing ABDOMINAL MASSAGE and Usual physiotherapeutic intervention in people with Colonic Cancer, run by University Hospital, Grenoble at 1 site in France.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in France. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Mihaela Barbut, MSc (00 334 76 76 48 02, mbarbut@chu-grenoble.fr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal massage on the resumption of digestive transit after colonic resection surgery for cancer as part of ERAS protocol. (time frame: Through study completion, 30 days). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07713472, which also lists 15 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Jul 2026.

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