Comparing low and medium pressure during laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis in children

Postoperative Pain in Children After Low-Pressure Versus Medium-Pressure Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Surgery

Not applicable Interventional University Children's Hospital, Zurich · NCT04949659

This study tests if using lower air pressure during laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis in kids can help them feel less pain afterward.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages5 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Children's Hospital, Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zürich, Zurich)
Trial IDNCT04949659 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of different pneumoperitoneum pressures on postoperative pain levels in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. It involves children aged 5 years and older who are scheduled for surgery due to suspected acute appendicitis. The study aims to determine whether using lower pressure during the procedure can lead to reduced pain after surgery. Participants will be monitored for pain levels postoperatively to assess the effectiveness of the pressure variations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 5 years and older, weighing at least 15 kg, who are scheduled for laparoscopic surgery for suspected acute appendicitis.

Not a fit: Patients with signs of perforated appendicitis or significant communication difficulties may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for children undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on pneumoperitoneum pressures exist, this specific comparison in a pediatric population is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Prepped and consented for diagnostic laparoscopy for likely acute appendicitis
* 5 years or older
* 15 kg or more
* Parents/legal custodian give consent, patient shows no signs of unwillingness to participate
* Patient is hemodynamically stable

Exclusion Criteria:

* Clinical signs of four quadrant peritonitis as a clinical sign of perforated appendicitis
* Suspected perityphlitic abscess on preoperative ultrasound
* Preexisting conditions making postoperative assessment of extent of pain and its localization very difficult or impossible, e.g. conditions that are associated with pronounced developmental delays or with communication difficulties
* Parents have inadequate knowledge of German language to understand Informed consent
* Child has inadequate knowledge of German language to allow elicitation of Pain Scores

Where this trial is running

Zürich, Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Appendicitis AcutePneumoperitoneumPressurePain
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.