Treatment Costs of Kidney Injury in Patients Having Heart Surgery in the UK
This study, conducted in the UK, aims to understand the financial impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) that can sometimes occur after heart surgery. Researchers are looking back at hospital records of patients who had heart surgery between 2013 and 2025 (excluding the COVID-19 years of 2020 and 2021). They want to compare the treatment costs for patients who developed different levels of kidney injury with those who didn't experience these problems. This research will help healthcare providers better understand the overall burden of kidney complications following heart surgery, potentially leading to improved patient care and resource allocation in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people have heart surgery, sometimes their kidneys can be affected. This is called acute kidney injury (AKI). We know that AKI can lead to longer stays in hospital, longer recovery times in intensive care, and can even increase the risk of other health problems. It's also known to add to the cost of treatment.
This study is looking specifically at how much it costs to treat AKI in patients who have had heart surgery in the UK. The researchers want to compare these costs with those for patients who have heart surgery but don't develop kidney problems. By understanding these costs, hospitals and healthcare planners can better prepare and allocate resources to give patients the best possible care.
To do this, the research team is not asking patients to do anything new. Instead, they are carefully reviewing existing anonymised patient records from a hospital in Wolverhampton, covering heart surgeries performed between 2013 and 2025. They are focusing on information already collected during routine care, such as details about the surgery, how long patients stayed in hospital, and any kidney issues that developed afterwards.
Key takeaways
- This study looks at how much it costs to treat kidney problems after heart surgery in the UK.
- It uses existing, anonymised patient records, so no new appointments or tests are needed.
- The findings could help improve care for future heart surgery patients.
- The study compares costs for patients who developed kidney issues versus those who didn't.
- It covers heart surgeries performed at one UK hospital between 2013 and 2025 (excluding 2020-2021).
- Your personal medical information is kept confidential.
Who may be eligible?
You might be included in this study if you had heart surgery at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust between January 2013 and December 2025. This excludes surgeries during 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19. You would have had what's called 'cardiopulmonary bypass' during your surgery, which is a common way to support the heart and lungs during the operation.
There also needs to be enough information in your medical records for the researchers to use. This includes things like your age, sex, whether you had diabetes, and specific details about your kidney function before and after surgery. This helps the researchers make fair comparisons between different groups of patients.
However, some people won't be included. For example, if you had emergency surgery, if your medical records are incomplete, or if you were already on dialysis before your heart surgery. Also, if your kidney function was already very poor before the surgery, or if you had a specific type of heart surgery called 'deep hypothermic circulatory arrest', you would not be part of this study. Finally, if you've previously said that you don't want your data used for research, you won't be included.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Did I have heart surgery at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust between 2013 and 2025 (but not in 2020 or 2021)?
- Did my heart surgery involve a heart-lung bypass machine?
- Was my surgery planned (not an emergency)?
- Was I NOT on dialysis before my heart surgery?
- Did I NOT have very poor kidney function before my surgery?
What does participation involve?
This study is an 'observational' study. This means that researchers are simply looking back at existing medical records and information that has already been collected as part of your routine care. You will not be asked to do anything extra, such as attend appointments, take new medications, or have any special tests. Your doctors will continue to care for you as usual.
Because this study uses information already collected, there are no specific visits, assessments, or follow-up needed from you. Your involvement is indirect, through the use of your anonymised past medical data. The total duration of data collection for the researchers covers patient records from 2013 to 2025.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS TrustVerified postcodeWolverhampton, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is 'acute kidney injury' (AKI)?
AKI is when your kidneys suddenly stop working as well as they should. It can happen after major surgery, including heart surgery.
Will this study affect my medical care?
No, this study will not affect your medical care in any way. Researchers are only looking at past, anonymised information.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes, your personal information is kept confidential and anonymised for the study, meaning your name or other identifying details are not used.
Why are they studying costs?
Understanding treatment costs helps hospitals plan their budgets and resources better, which can lead to improved care for all patients in the future.
Can I choose not to have my data used?
Yes, you have the right to opt out of your anonymised data being used for research. You can usually do this by informing your healthcare provider.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.