Preserving or Resecting the Normal Appendix in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopy Surgery for Suspec… (NCT06917612) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Preserving or Resecting the Normal Appendix in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopy Surgery for Suspected Appendicitis
20,000 participantsStarted 2005-01-01
Plain-language summary
When appendicitis is suspected, patients are typically planned for emergency surgery preferably using a laparoscopic approach. Up to 20% of these patients will have a normal appendix, thus not suffering from appendicitis. Surgeons can either perform a normal diagnostic laparoscopy (leave the appendix in situ) or perform a negative appendectomy (resect the normal appendix). International guidelines recommend negative appendectomy based on weak evidence due to the risk of appendix cancer, but some countries and researchers advocate against negative appendectomy as these patients may experience more harm than if the appendix is left in situ. There are limited national guidelines and the decision is often left to the operating surgeon. Surgeons performing negative appendectomies argue that these prevent microappendicitis and the risk of a subsequent episode of appendicitis. As appendix cancers are rare, and a randomised controlled trial including this subgroup of patients with normal appendices undergoing emergency surgery for suspected appendicitis is unfeasible, an emulated target trial is planned.
This target trial aims to evaluate the effect of a normal diagnostic laparoscopy versus negative appendectomy during laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis regarding cancer in the appendix and other complications such as death, reoperation, and readmission.
Who can participate
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 ages and sexes
* Undergoing laparoscopic surgery for suspected appendicitis from 2005 to 2021
* Resected appendix without inflammation e.g., without appendicitis
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous resection of the appendix (e.g., previous appendectomy, or resection of the gut including the appendix before January 1, 2005) based on data from surgical codes in the Danish National Patient Register
* Unable to be tracked in the Danish registers, such as a replacement personal identification number, or for those not residing in Denmark based on data from the Civil Registration System
* Diagnostic codes indicating appendix cancer at index surgery (C181), thus, not operated for suspected appendicitis
* Laparoscopic appendectomy converted to open surgery or other surgical procedures conducted contaminated with laparoscopic appendectomy, indicated a need for other surgical interventions because of disease
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.