Robotic Emergency General Surgery Program
This study explores using robotic surgery for urgent abdominal operations, also known as Emergency General Surgery. Currently, these emergency procedures often lead to more complications like infections and longer hospital stays than planned surgeries. Robotic surgery could help by making these operations less invasive, which means smaller cuts and potentially a quicker recovery. The main goal is to see if a university hospital can successfully implement this robotic approach for emergencies. Researchers also want to find out if it can reduce complications around the time of surgery, decrease the need for open surgery (laparotomy), shorten hospital stays, lower admissions to intensive care, and make operations quicker.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you need urgent surgery for a problem in your tummy (abdomen), it's called Emergency General Surgery. These kinds of operations are essential, but they can sometimes lead to more complications – for example, infections can be more common, and patients might need a longer stay in hospital compared to surgeries that are planned in advance. Traditional open surgery involves a larger cut, while less invasive surgery uses smaller cuts.
This study is investigating a new way to do these urgent operations using robotic technology. Robotic surgery involves a surgeon controlling tiny instruments through small cuts in your body. It has been shown to simplify complex keyhole surgeries and might help avoid larger open surgeries. Hospitals in other countries, particularly the United States, have been using this approach for some time with promising results.
The main aim of this research is to see if a university hospital in the UK can successfully start using robotic surgery for urgent stomach problems. The researchers also want to find out if this method can lead to better outcomes for patients. They will be looking to see if robotic surgery can reduce complications during and after surgery, lower the number of times a larger open cut is needed, shorten how long people need to stay in hospital, decrease stays in intensive care, and potentially make the operations themselves quicker.
Key takeaways
- Focuses on using robotic surgery for urgent abdominal problems.
- Aims to reduce complications and hospital stays.
- Seeks to avoid larger open surgeries where possible.
- Could offer a quicker recovery for patients.
- Primarily assessing if this method can be successfully used in emergencies.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged 18 or older who need urgent surgery for certain abdominal conditions. You might be considered if you have a severe gallbladder inflammation that is likely to be difficult to operate on, a blockage in your bowel that needs part of it removed due to compromise, a complicated infection of the bowel (diverticulitis) with a hole and infection spread in the abdomen, or a penetrating injury to the abdomen (like a stab wound) that needs surgery but your condition is stable.
You could also be eligible if you need removal of part of your large bowel (colon) for other urgent reasons, or if you need your spleen removed and your condition is stable or has been treated to stabilise it.
However, you would not be able to take part if your condition is unstable and life-threatening (e.g., if you have very low blood pressure or are in shock). You would also not be eligible if you have uncomplicated appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) or if your gallbladder inflammation is not expected to be difficult to operate on.
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.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you need urgent surgery for a severe gallbladder problem or bowel blockage?
- Are you having a complicated bowel infection or injury that needs immediate surgery?
- Is your physical condition currently stable enough for surgery?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and agree to take part, your emergency surgery would be performed using a robotic approach. The study essentially involves observing the success and outcomes of this new surgical method for urgent health problems. You will have regular checks and follow-ups as part of your standard care, which will help the study collect information on your recovery, how long you stay in hospital, and if there are any complications. This isn't a long-term study that requires extra visits beyond your typical surgical aftercare; it focuses on the surgical procedure itself and the immediate recovery period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CHU de NICEVerified postcodeNice, France
Common questions
What is 'Emergency General Surgery'?
It refers to urgent operations needed for sudden or serious problems in your tummy (abdomen).
What does 'robotic approach' mean?
It means the surgeon uses a special robot to help perform the operation through small cuts, using precise instruments.
Is robotic surgery new?
Robotic surgery has been used for various conditions for several years, and this study looks at using it for urgent emergency surgeries.
Will I have more pain with robotic surgery?
Often, less invasive surgeries like robotic surgery can lead to less pain and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Who is paying for this study?
The information provided doesn't specify the funding source for this particular study.
How to find out more
Damien Massalou
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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