LapEmerge-trial: laparoscopic approach for emergent colon resection; a multicentre, open label, randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background Because of faster recovery and less morbidity, laparoscopy has become the golden standard in elective colorectal surgery both for benign and malignant disease. A substantial portion of colorectal surgery is however carried out in emergency settings and most of the emergency resections are still performed open. The aim of this study is to compare laparoscopic versus open approach for emergency colorectal surgery. Method/Design This is a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial including adult patients presenting with a condition requiring emergency colorectal resection. Discussion Previous studies cautiously recommend wider use of laparoscopy in emergency colorectal resections, but all earlier reports are retrospective, mostly single center studies and have limited number of patients. There might be unpredictable risks with laparoscopy yet not reported because of infrequent use of the technique. A prospective randomized controlled trial is urgently needed to assess the safety of laparoscopy as well as advantages and disadvantages between open and laparoscopic emergency surgery. Trial registration number: NCT05005117, URL: https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NCT05005117