Small bowel obstruction (SBO) and its complications are frequently seen in patients admitted through the Emergency Departments of all acute care hospitals2.
There is variation in the optimal use of imaging, the appropriate timing and duration of non-operative management attempts, anti-microbial therapies, and the criteria for surgical management, which results in heterogeneity in approaches and outcomes across international clinical centers. The expected number of SBO cases in most clinical centers is predictable, enabling a suitably-sized cohort of patients to be gathered in the snapshot audit.
This 'ESTES snapshot audit' -a prospective observational cohort study- has a dual purpose. Firstly, as an epidemiological study, it aims to uncover the burden of disease. Secondly, it aims to demonstrate current strategies employed to diagnose and treat these patients. These twin aims will serve to provide a 'snapshot' of current practice, but will also be hypothesis-generating while providing a rich source of patient-level data to allow further analysis of the particular clinical questions.
Who can participate
Age range
16 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.
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
1
Incidence of Small Bowel Obstruction, by etiology
Timeframe: 6 months
2
Time to Surgical Treatment of Small Bowel Obstruction vs Outcomes
Timeframe: 6 months
Trial details
NCT IDNCT05843097
SponsorEuropean Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery