CompletedNot Applicable

Geographic Influences on Appendicectomy Outcomes

United Kingdom40,000 participantsStarted 2001-01

Plain-language summary

Introduction Appendicitis is a common condition which represents a significant resource burden for the Scottish National Health Service (NHS). It is unknown whether there are significant differences in outcomes following appendicectomy which may be explained by geographic factors. Aims The aim of this study is to describe appendicectomy outcomes in Scotland as they vary by the urban-rural nature of the patient's home location and travel time from hospital. Methods This research study is a retrospective observational enquiry which will utilise administrative data from the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland. Patient episodes will be identified by a procedure code for appendicectomy, and the urban-rural classification of patients will be derived from postcode data. Travel time from hospital will also be estimated through postcode data. The investigators will study a 10 year period from January 2001 to December 2010. Primary outcome measures will be risk-adjusted 30 day/inpatient mortality, 30 day readmission rate, 30 day re-operation rate, length of stay and negative appendicectomy rates.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All patients, of all ages, undergoing appendicectomy (OPCS code H01) during the time period January 2001 - December 2010. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing appendicectomy for whom this is incidental to a more major abdominal procedure. * Patients non-resident in Scotland.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Post-operative length of stay

Timeframe: From date of appendicectomy to date of discharge (whole days) - see below

Re-operation

Timeframe: Within the index admission or within 30 days of discharge

Re-admission

Timeframe: Within 30 days of index discharge

Mortality

Timeframe: Either within 30 days of procedure, or during continuous in-patient stay

Negative Appendicectomy Rate

Timeframe: At time of index procedure

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02017951

SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2010-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Appendicitis trials