The NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery
Improving surgical outcomes through collaborative research
Building paediatric surgical capacity through research will also be an important aspect of the Global Surgery Unit’s work. A costing study in abdominal tuberculosis in children across various sites in India, for example, forms one of the various health economic workstreams currently taking place. Further information on this study, along with our other work that looks into driving surgical improvements in LMICs can be found via the links below.
Pediatric Surgery
LION STUDY
LION (LaparoscopIc Versus Open Appendectomy): Cost comparison in a lower- middle income setting
This study aims to compare the outcome and cost of conventional open and laparoscopic appendectomy for clinically confirmed, uncomplicated, acute appendicitis in a low resource setting. Although the cost effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery has been investigated previously in high human development index (HDI) countries, similar studies are lacking in low and middle HDI countries.
Led by Dr Adewale Adisa at the NIHR hub in Nigeria, this study will compare outcomes following open and laparoscopic appendectomy in approximately 150 patients at 3 hospitals in Nigeria.
TIGER STUDY
TIGER (Task shifting Inguinal hernia Repair between surgeons and technicians): development of a randomised trial in low and middle income countries
Can technicians perform mesh inguinal hernia repair safely and cost-effectively in rural surgical settings in low and middle income countries?
This pilot trial aims to investigate delivery of a standardised, measurable training programme for technicians to perform a mesh inguinal hernia repair.
Bringing together surgeons, researchers and policy makers to set the local research agenda according to patient need in LMIC and ensuring all patients have the opportunity to take part in our research.