A systematic review of outcomes reported in small bowel obstruction research

Background Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a condition which is commonly treated by general surgeons. The evidence base for treatment of this condition is limited in part by variable reporting of outcomes in the literature. The aim of this study was to identify commonly used outcomes in research on SBO.

Methods This review was reported in line with PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017065538). Searches were performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases to identify prospective cohort or randomised trials reporting outcomes of interventions in SBO. Studies addressing diagnostics, paediatric populations, and SBO due to malignancy were excluded. Studies were screened for inclusion. Study and outcome characteristics were extracted into a predesigned proforma and mapped onto the OMERACT framework.

Results A total of 1,222 studies were screened for eligibility, 74 full text articles retrieved and 51 studies included for synthesis. A total of 50 different outcomes were used. Duration of hospital stay was the most frequently reported outcome (n=21 studies). Resolution of SBO was reported in 12 studies, but only defined in 8 studies which used 6 different definitions. Patient reported outcomes were reported in only four studies.

Discussion There is a high degree of variation in the outcomes reported in SBO research. There is a clear need for a core outcome set. Development of a patient reported outcome measure for this condition should also be explored.