Anal Fistula SurgerybidetNCT07874711
The Use of Electronic Bidets Compared to Water Rinsing After Surgery for Anal Fistula or Haemorrhoidal Disease: a Pilot Study
A study testing Electronic bidet and standard water rinsing in people with Anal Fistula Surgery and Anal Fistula, run by Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel at 1 site in Belgium.
Trial summary
There is still much to discover in the field of proctological postoperative care. There has already been some, albeit very little, research about its use post-haemorrhoidectomy as well as its possible effect on anal fissures, but no articles to date have been written about the use of bidets in the treatment of anal… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Anal Fistula Surgery, Anal Fistula, Hemorrhoidal Disease
- What is being tested?
- Electronic bidet and standard water rinsing
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteBelgium
- Study dates
- Oct 2026to Dec 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
- Patients will undergo fistulotomy or sphincter-sparing surgery for AF or haemorrhoidec-tomy for HD
- 18 years or older
- Able to speak and read Dutch or French
- Patients must have a power outlet within 3m of their toilet or they need to be able to use an extension cable
Who cannot join
- Systemic diseases with perianal impact
- Altered perianal sensation (to prevent burns because of the warm water)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic dermatological conditions
- AIDS
- Hepatitis C
Show all 12Show fewer
- Patients under immunosuppression after a solid organ or stem cell transplantation
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure with eGFR under 60ml/min
- Current malignancy
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- The use of a bidet at home before the start of the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Belgium1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
UZ Brussel
Brussels, 1090
Magali Surmont, +3224776011, magali.surmont@uzbrussel.be
About this study
Official title: The Use of Electronic Bidets Compared to Water Rinsing After Surgery for Anal Fistula or Hemorrhoidal Disease: a Pilot Study
There is still much to discover in the field of proctological postoperative care. There has already been some, albeit very little, research about its use post-haemorrhoidectomy as well as its possible effect on anal fissures, but no articles to date have been written about the use of bidets in the treatment of anal fistula or after surgery for fissures. This lack of research is evident in the guidelines written about proctological problems. The guidelines about wound rinsing after proctological surgery are based on expert opinion instead of on research and they don't mention the use of bidets at all.
Read the detailed description
There is still much to discover in the field of proctological postoperative care. There has already been some, albeit very little, research about its use post-haemorrhoidectomy as well as its possible effect on anal fissures, but no articles to date have been written about the use of bidets in the treatment of anal fistula or after surgery for fissures. This lack of research is evident in the guidelines written about proctological problems. The guidelines about wound rinsing after proctological surgery are based on expert opinion instead of on research and they don't mention the use of bidets at all. This study focuses on the use of electronic bidets or water rinsing with a showerhead of the anal wound after surgery for anal fistula or haemorrhoidal disease. Postoperative complications like severe pain, postoperative discomfort, and wound infection are generally pre-emptively treated with analgesics and water rinsing. A few studies have found that patients were more satisfied using a bidet than Sitz baths posthaemorrhoidectomy. This study wants to see if the same applies to patients in the UZ Brussels post-haemorrhoidectomy or after surgery for AF, although our control group uses water rinsing instead of Sitz baths. If this is the case, bigger studies are warranted to confirm these findings, which could lead to changes in the postoperative treatment of proctological problems, leading to more satisfied patients.
- Conditions
- Anal Fistula Surgery, Anal Fistula, Hemorrhoidal Disease, Hemorrhoid Surgery, Proctological Disorders, Proctological Postoperative Care
- Being tested
- Electronic bidet, standard water rinsing
- Medical subject headings
- Rectal Fistula
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Electronic bidetDevice
an electronic bidet will be used to rinse the postoperative anal wounds
standard water rinsingOther
standard water rinsing will be used to clean postoperative anal wounds
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| standard water rinsing | Placebo comparator | Not described Receives: Other: standard water rinsing |
| Electronic bidet | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Device: Electronic bidet |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
mean difference between the 2 groups in comfort of the anal rinsing
mean difference between the 2 groups in comfort of the anal rinsing using a 5-level Likert scale and the patient-reported pruritus on a 10-VAS-score
Measured: From signing the ICF till 6 weeks after
mean difference between the 2 groups in ease of use
The difference between the two groups in terms of ease of use of the bidet compared with conventional rinsing will be assessed using a self-developed questionnaire.
Measured: From signing the ICF till 6 weeks after
mean difference between the 2 groups in perceived hygiene
The difference between the two groups in terms of perceived hygiene of the bidet compared with conventional rinsing will be assessed using a self-developed questionnaire.
Measured: From signing the ICF till 6 weeks after
Secondary outcomes (2)
mean change in overall patient satisfaction
mean change in overall patient satisfaction will be assessed using a self-developed questionnaire
Measured: time of singing the ICF till 6 weeks after
perceived quality of personal care
perceived quality of personal care will be assessed using a self-developed questionnaire
Measured: time of singing the ICF till 6 weeks after
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Oct 2026
- Study startOct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionDec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Anal Fistula SurgeryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 40 patients that undergo surgery for haemorrhoidal disease or anal fistula will be divided into 2 groups. The first group will need to carry out the standard water rinsing with a showerhead to keep the postoperative anal wound clean. The second group will need to use an electronic bidet to clean their postoperative anal wound.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07874711
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Bidet
- Acronym
- bidet
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Use of Electronic Bidets Compared to Water Rinsing After Surgery for Anal Fistula or Hemorrhoidal Disease: a Pilot Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07874711
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- bidet / Bidet
- Conditions
- Anal Fistula Surgery, Anal Fistula, Hemorrhoidal Disease, Hemorrhoid Surgery, Proctological Disorders, Proctological Postoperative Care
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universitair Ziekenhuis BrusselUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
There is still much to discover in the field of proctological postoperative care. There has already been some, albeit very little, research about its use post-haemorrhoidectomy as well as its possible effect on anal fissures, but no articles to date have been written about the use of bidets in the treatment of anal fistula or after surgery for fissures. This lack of research is evident in the guidelines written about proctological problems. The guidelines about wound rinsing after proctological surgery are based on expert opinion instead of on research and they don't mention the use of bidets at all.
Detailed description
There is still much to discover in the field of proctological postoperative care. There has already been some, albeit very little, research about its use post-haemorrhoidectomy as well as its possible effect on anal fissures, but no articles to date have been written about the use of bidets in the treatment of anal fistula or after surgery for fissures. This lack of research is evident in the guidelines written about proctological problems. The guidelines about wound rinsing after proctological surgery are based on expert opinion instead of on research and they don't mention the use of bidets at all. This study focuses on the use of electronic bidets or water rinsing with a showerhead of the anal wound after surgery for anal fistula or haemorrhoidal disease. Postoperative complications like severe pain, postoperative discomfort, and wound infection are generally pre-emptively treated with analgesics and water rinsing. A few studies have found that patients were more satisfied using a bidet than Sitz baths posthaemorrhoidectomy. This study wants to see if the same applies to patients in the UZ Brussels post-haemorrhoidectomy or after surgery for AF, although our control group uses water rinsing instead of Sitz baths. If this is the case, bigger studies are warranted to confirm these findings, which could lead to changes in the postoperative treatment of proctological problems, leading to more satisfied patients.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 40 patients that undergo surgery for haemorrhoidal disease or anal fistula will be divided into 2 groups. The first group will need to carry out the standard water rinsing with a showerhead to keep the postoperative anal wound clean. The second group will need to use an electronic bidet to clean their postoperative anal wound.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| standard water rinsing | Placebo comparator | Other: standard water rinsing |
| Electronic bidet | Active comparator | Device: Electronic bidet |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients will undergo fistulotomy or sphincter-sparing surgery for AF or haemorrhoidec-tomy for HD
- 18 years or older
- Able to speak and read Dutch or French
- Patients must have a power outlet within 3m of their toilet or they need to be able to use an extension cable
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- Systemic diseases with perianal impact
- Altered perianal sensation (to prevent burns because of the warm water)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Chronic dermatological conditions
- AIDS
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic bidetan electronic bidet will be used to rinse the postoperative anal wounds | Device | Electronic bidet |
| standard water rinsingstandard water rinsing will be used to clean postoperative anal wounds | Other | standard water rinsing |
Primary outcome
mean difference between the 2 groups in comfort of the anal rinsing
Time frame: From signing the ICF till 6 weeks after
mean difference between the 2 groups in comfort of the anal rinsing using a 5-level Likert scale and the patient-reported pruritus on a 10-VAS-score
mean difference between the 2 groups in ease of use
Time frame: From signing the ICF till 6 weeks after
The difference between the two groups in terms of ease of use of the bidet compared with conventional rinsing will be assessed using a self-developed questionnaire.
mean difference between the 2 groups in perceived hygiene
Time frame: From signing the ICF till 6 weeks after
The difference between the two groups in terms of perceived hygiene of the bidet compared with conventional rinsing will be assessed using a self-developed questionnaire.
2 secondary outcomes
mean change in overall patient satisfaction
Time frame: time of singing the ICF till 6 weeks after
perceived quality of personal care
Time frame: time of singing the ICF till 6 weeks after
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Electronic bidet and standard water rinsing in people with Anal Fistula Surgery and Anal Fistula, run by Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel at 1 site in Belgium.
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 4 inclusion and 12 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Oct 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 Belgium. 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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 Magali Surmont, MD (+3224776011, magali.surmont@uzbrussel.be), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
mean difference between the 2 groups in comfort of the anal rinsing (time frame: From signing the ICF till 6 weeks after). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 15 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.