CompletedNot Applicable

The Hospital Volume Relationship in Emergency Laparotomy Outcomes

United Kingdom40,000 participantsStarted 2001-01

Plain-language summary

Introduction 'Emergency Laparotomy' is an umbrella term for a set of commonly performed procedures which are known to carry a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. Previous work has shown considerable inter-hospital variation in emergency laparotomy outcomes within the United Kingdom. It is unknown whether there are significant differences in outcomes following laparotomy which may be explained by differences in hospital procedural volume. Aims The aim of this study is to compare emergency laparotomy outcomes in Scotland as they vary by hospital procedural volume. 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 set of procedure codes for emergency laparotomy. The primary outcome measure will be risk-adjusted 30 day/inpatient mortality, and secondary outcome measures will be 30 day readmission rate, 30 day re-operation rate and length of stay.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

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

Inclusion Criteria: * All patients aged 18 years or older who undergo emergency laparotomy within the study period Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are non-resident in Scotland * Multiple laparotomies on a single patient will not be counted as separate index events unless ≥6 months have passed between previous discharge and new hospital admission.

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

Mortality

Timeframe: Either within 30 days of procedure, or during continuous in-patient stay (up to 12.5 years)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02047812

SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2010-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Abdomen, Acute trials