Waist circumference as an estimator of abdominal wall depth v.1.1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Investigating whether the abdominal waist circumference or abdominal girth can be employed as an accurate estimate of abdominal wall depth.

  • IRAS ID

    321171

  • Contact name

    Chimwemwe Miti

  • Contact email

    zb20006@bristol.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    2022 - 7182

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN33200631

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 2 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    This study seeks to investigate the correlation between waist circumference and abdominal wall depth through physical data collection. It is a basic science study employing archived image data to correlate to patient physical parameters. Waist circumferences will be obtained from patients as actual physical measurements while the abdominal wall depth will be ascertained from each patient’s corresponding CT scan image stored in the Patient Archive and Communication System (PACS).
    Anonymised CT scan image data (image slices covering the umbilical area which is the primary entry point in minimally invasive surgery) will be required to calculate the abdominal wall depth as taken from the base of the umbilicus to 5mm below the peritoneum.
    This study will assess whether the waist circumference can estimate the abdominal wall depth to a reliable degree of accuracy so as to be incorporated in a nomogram that would categorise Veress needle abdominal insertion depths according to waist circumference range. Veress needle insertion currently proceeds 'blindly' with no prior depth estimation-a surgeon has no idea how far insertion should proceed and instead estimates of correct needle entry into the abdomen are realised from the 'give' of tissues during needle penetration of the abdominal wall.

  • REC name

    London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    23/PR/0600

  • Date of REC Opinion

    21 Jul 2023

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion