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. 1997 Jan;76(1):50-3.
doi: 10.1136/adc.76.1.50.

Evidence-based surgery: interventions in a regional paediatric surgical unit

S E Kenny  1 , K R Shankar, R Rintala, G L Lamont, D A Lloyd
Affiliations

Evidence-based surgery: interventions in a regional paediatric surgical unit

S E Kenny et al. Arch Dis Child. 1997 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the proportion of paediatric surgical interventions that are evidence-based and to identify areas where randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or further research are required.

Design: Prospective review of paediatric general surgical inpatients.

Setting: A regional paediatric surgical unit.

Subjects: All consecutive paediatric general surgical patients admitted in November, 1995.

Main outcome measures: Each patient on whom a diagnosis had been made was allocated a primary diagnosis and primary intervention (n = 281). On the basis of expert knowledge, Plusnet Medline, and ISI Science Citation database searches, each intervention was categorised according to the level of supporting evidence: category 1, intervention based on RCT evidence; category 2, intervention with convincing non-experimental evidence such that an RCT would be unethical and unjustified; category 3, intervention without substantial supportive evidence.

Results: Of 281 patient interventions, 31 (11%) were based on controlled trials and 185 (66%) on convincing non-experimental evidence. Only 23% of interventions were category 3.

Conclusions: In common with other medical specialties, the majority of paediatric surgical interventions are based on sound evidence. However, only 11% of interventions are based on RCT data, perhaps reflecting the nature of surgical practice. Further RCTs or research is indicated in a proportion of category 3 interventions.

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