Enhanced recovery protocol for patients with complicated appendicitis
Official title: Enhanced Recovery Protocol for Acute, Complicated Appendicitis After Laparoscopic Appendectomy: An Exploratory Pilot Study
Run by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT06948071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new recovery plan for adults with complicated appendicitis to see if it helps them heal better and go home sooner after surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 21, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06948071 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 who are undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients outside the age range of 18 to 65, those with generalized peritonitis, or significant comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of an enhanced recovery protocol for adult patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. Patients will be discharged on an oral antibiotic regimen for three days post-surgery. The study will assess feasibility through patient compliance with postoperative instructions and safety by monitoring the incidence of postoperative infectious complications and readmissions. The goal is to improve recovery outcomes and reduce hospital stays.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to quicker recoveries and reduced hospital stays for patients with complicated appendicitis.
How similar studies have gone: While enhanced recovery protocols have shown success in various surgical fields, this specific approach for complicated appendicitis is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age. * Patients undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy. * Diagnosis of complicated appendicitis based on pre-operative imaging or intra-operative assessment. The definition of a complicated appendicitis will include: (a) perforated appendicitis, without generalized peritonitis; (b) gangrenous appendicitis, without generalized peritonitis; (c) suppurative appendicitis; (d) iatrogenic perforation of the appendix. * Meet criteria for discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). * Ability to reliably follow up with the study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years or \> 65 years. * Pregnancy. * Homelessness. * Patients who present with generalized peritonitis. * Patients with comorbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressed state for any reason, patients on chronic anticoagulation (excluding Aspirin 81 mg). * Patients who present with septic shock. * Patients who require conversion to an open appendectomy. * Patients who present with additional findings on imaging studies or intra-operatively, including ileus or small bowel obstruction. * Based on surgeon's clinical judgment for reasons that may not be outlined above. * Allergy or intolerance to study medication(s)
Where it's running
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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Galinos Barmparas, MD — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Laura Sarmiento, CCRP
- Email: laura.sarmiento@cshs.org
- Phone: 310-423-4295
Similar studies
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This trial will test whether people older than 14 with gangrenous appendicitis can be safely discharged home the same day after emergency appendectomy instead of staying in the hospital.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.