Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Predicting NOM Failure in Bowel Obstruction

This study is looking at common bowel blockages caused by scar tissue (adhesions) inside the tummy. Often, these can get better without surgery, which is called non-operative management (NOM). However, sometimes surgery is needed. Researchers want to develop a clever computer programme that can look at CT scans and help doctors predict if NOM will work or if surgery will be needed. This could mean patients get the right treatment sooner. They are collecting anonymous CT scans and patient information from hospitals in France and Italy to build and test this prediction tool. The study includes adult patients who had a CT scan and tried NOM first for at least 24 hours.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

370

Start

01 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Small Bowel Obstruction Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

What is this study about?

This study focuses on a common problem called small bowel obstruction (SBO), which is when part of the small bowel gets blocked. Often, this blockage is caused by scar tissue from previous surgeries, known as adhesions. While some patients get better with careful monitoring and non-surgical treatments (like avoiding food, pain relief, and fluids, known as NOM), others eventually need an operation.

The main goal of this research is to create a special computer tool, using advanced software (called artificial intelligence), that can look at anonymous CT scans. This tool will help doctors predict whether NOM is likely to work or if surgery will be needed. Doctors will still make the final decision, but this tool could offer valuable guidance, potentially helping patients receive the most appropriate care more quickly.

The researchers are collecting information, including CT scans, from adult patients in hospitals in France and Italy. They will use this information to teach and test their computer program. By making sure the program is accurate, they hope it can eventually be used to help doctors in real-world situations, improving how we manage small bowel obstructions.

Key takeaways

Researchers are creating a computer tool to predict if non-surgical treatment for bowel blockages will succeed.
The study uses anonymous CT scans and medical information from patients in France and Italy.
It focuses on blockages caused by scar tissue (adhesions).
The goal is to help doctors make quicker, more informed decisions about surgery.
Participation involves no extra tests or hospital visits; it's based on existing medical records.
Your data will be completely anonymous and won't affect your personal medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be an adult patient who was diagnosed with a small bowel blockage (SBO) caused by scar tissue (adhesions). This diagnosis would have been made using a physical examination, blood tests, and a CT scan when you first arrived at the hospital.

You also would have received non-surgical treatment (NOM) for your SBO for at least 24 hours before any decision about surgery was made.

You wouldn't be included if your bowel blockage was caused by something else, like a hernia or a tumour, or if you had surgery within the first 24 hours of arriving at the hospital. Patients whose blockage was diagnosed without a CT scan would also not be eligible.

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.

Were you an adult when you had the bowel blockage?
Was your blockage caused by scar tissue (adhesions)?
Did you have a CT scan that confirmed the blockage when you were admitted?
Did you receive non-surgical treatment (like drips and no food) for at least 24 hours before any surgery was considered?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study collects information from patient records, including anonymous CT scans. You wouldn't need to do anything extra. This means there are no special visits, extra tests, or new medications involved. You also wouldn't have any follow-up appointments specifically for this study. Your participation simply means that anonymous information from your medical care, if you meet the study criteria, might be used to help develop this new prediction tool.

Potential risks and benefits

Because this study only uses anonymous information that has already been collected as part of your standard care, there are no direct risks to patients. You would not receive any experimental treatments. The potential benefit is that the information from your care could help researchers develop a tool that might improve how patients with bowel blockages are treated in the future, helping doctors make faster and more effective decisions. You always have the right to say no to your anonymous data being used for research, and this would not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Andrea CHIERICI
Verified postcode
Nice, France

Common questions

What is 'small bowel obstruction'?

It's when your small intestine gets blocked, stopping food and líquidos from passing through properly. It can cause tummy pain, sickness, and bloating.

What are 'adhesions'?

Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form inside your tummy after surgery or inflammation. They can sometimes cause parts of your bowel to stick together, leading to a blockage.

What is 'non-operative management' (NOM)?

NOM means treating the blockage without surgery. It usually involves resting your bowel by not eating, getting fluids through a drip, and sometimes pain relief. Doctors carefully watch to see if the blockage clears on its own.

Will this study change my treatment?

No, this study uses anonymous information from past patient care. It won't change your current or future medical treatment in any way.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, all your data, including CT scans, will be made completely anonymous before being used in the study. Your name or any other identifying details will not be shared.