Mismatch of populations between randomised controlled trials of perioperative interventions in major abdominal surgery and current clinical practice

ConclusionsPatients encountered in our current local clinical practice are significantly different from those in our defined set of perioperative RCTs. Older trials recruit more low-risk than high-risk participants —trials may thus ‘expire’ over time. These trials may not be generalisable to current patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, and meta-analyses or guidelines incorporating these trials may therefore be similarly non-applicable. Comparison to local, rather than national cohorts, is importa nt for meaningful on-the-ground evidence-based decision-making.

Source: Perioperative Medicine - November 16, 2023 Category: Surgery Source Type: research