Appendicitis

This study is testing a new surgical stapler, called the Signia circular stapler, in people having left-sided colon, sigmoid, or rectal surgery. The goal is to see if it lowers the chance of a leak where the colon is reconnected. About 137 adults will take part, and the main focu…

This study looks at whether giving an extra dose of the antibiotic cefoxitin during appendix removal surgery can better prevent infections compared to the usual single dose before surgery. Researchers will measure antibiotic levels in blood, fat, and appendix tissue from 46 parti…

This early-stage study tests a new imaging agent called 18F-4FN for PET scans to safely detect inflammation in the body. It involves 55 adults with cancer who are on immunotherapy or have suspected inflammation. The goal is to see if this agent can highlight areas of inflammation…

This study is testing a new blood test that looks at RNA (genetic material) to quickly tell if a person with belly pain has an infection inside the abdomen, like appendicitis or diverticulitis. About 1,000 adults and children over age 7 with abdominal pain will give a blood sampl…

This study tests whether a simple checklist plus a finger-prick blood test can help family doctors decide which children with belly pain need to go to the hospital for possible appendicitis. About 566 children aged 4 to 18 will take part. If it works, fewer kids without appendici…

This study tests whether rinsing the abdomen with povidone-iodine (a common antiseptic) during surgery for a burst appendix can prevent painful internal abscesses. About 346 people having appendix removal will be randomly assigned to get the iodine wash or standard care. Research…

This study tests whether giving lactulose, a mild laxative, after complex appendix surgery helps the bowels start working again sooner. 150 adults will receive either lactulose or a placebo for a few days after their operation. The main goal is to see how quickly they can pass st…

This study looks at whether watching a cartoon or playing a mobile game for 10 minutes before surgery can lower anxiety and fear in children aged 7 to 12 who are hospitalized for appendicitis. About 69 children will be split into three groups: one watches a cartoon, one plays a m…

This study tests whether patients with gangrenous appendicitis can safely go home shortly after emergency laparoscopic surgery instead of staying in the hospital. About 122 adults will be enrolled to compare safety, recovery, and costs. The goal is to see if outpatient management…

This study compares same-day discharge versus staying overnight in the hospital after laparoscopic surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis. About 1,400 patients aged 15 to 74 with mild appendicitis will take part. The goal is to see if going home the same day is just as safe and l…

This study tests a 'fast-track' recovery plan for children aged 2 to 17 who had surgery for a burst appendix. The goal is to see if they can go home sooner without raising the risk of problems like infection or needing another surgery. About 772 children will take part, and their…

This study compares two types of nerve blocks (ESP block and TAP block) to see which one works better for pain relief after open appendix surgery. About 68 adults having this surgery will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two blocks. The main goal is to see which block r…

This study tests whether placing the numbing drug bupivacaine into the abdomen during open appendix surgery can reduce pain afterward. Sixty adults having open appendectomy will receive either bupivacaine or a saltwater placebo. Researchers will measure pain levels and how often …

This study tests a 20-step recovery plan (ERAS) for children aged 5-18 having laparoscopic appendix surgery. The goal is to see if the plan can be followed closely and safely in a hospital. Researchers will track how well the steps are followed and check for any major problems or…

This study aims to collect medical data and biological samples (blood, urine, stool, and tissue) from up to 4,000 adults with known or suspected gastrointestinal diseases. Participants receive standard medical care at the NIH, and any extra samples or leftover tissue from procedu…

This study tests whether Fitbit data (like heart rate and activity) can help predict infections in children recovering from complicated appendectomy. Researchers will develop an algorithm and see if it helps doctors make decisions. 500 children aged 3-18 are being enrolled.

Researchers are developing a simple tool to predict how difficult a laparoscopic appendectomy (keyhole appendix removal) might be. They will study 500 patients and look at factors like age, weight, and inflammation levels. The goal is to help surgeons prepare better and improve p…

This study looks back at medical records of 1000 adults who had emergency appendix removal using either robotic assistance or standard laparoscopic surgery. The goal is to compare things like surgery time, complications, and recovery. No new treatment is being tested—just gatheri…

This study watches over 1000 adults having laparoscopic appendix removal to see if washing the belly with fluid (lavage) reduces the chance of internal infections. Doctors will note how dirty the belly is and decide on washing based on a new classification system. The goal is to …

This study tracks 200 adults with suspected appendicitis to see if combining CT scans and the AIR scoring system can lower the rate of unnecessary appendix removal. Researchers will compare imaging and score results with final lab reports. No new treatments are being tested—just …

This pilot study is measuring prednisolone levels in 120 people with inflammatory diseases like thyroid eye disease, vasculitis, COPD, asthma, and others. Participants take high-dose prednisolone as part of their routine care, and researchers take timed blood samples to see how t…

This study looks at how a common bowel-cleansing drink (PEG) used before colonoscopy changes the gut bacteria in people who have had their appendix removed. Researchers will compare these changes to those in people with an intact appendix. The goal is to understand if the appendi…

This study looks at 320 adults who are about to start strong immune-suppressing therapy and have already had at least two COVID-19 shots. Researchers want to find out if giving a COVID-19 booster right before starting therapy or waiting six months provides better protection. Part…