ICU contributes to advance in kidney care | News

Royal Surrey’s Intensive Care Unit has played a key role in a major international study designed to reduce the risk of kidney damage following surgery.

The Big-Pak 2 trial, published in The Lancet, showed that patients identified as high risk through a simple urine test were less likely to suffer kidney damage if their clinical teams provided a number of enhanced monitoring measures after surgery.

Kidney injury is a common complication of major surgery and at Royal Surrey, around one in ten patients’ is affected, while rates at other hospitals can reach 50%.

Led by a German research team, the study involved hospitals worldwide. 

Approximately 14 Royal Surrey patients undergoing major cancer surgery took part, helping to generate findings that could transform post-surgical care across the NHS and beyond.

Consultant Intensivist and Nephrologist, Professor Lui Forni, who was one of the studies principle investigators, said: “By helping identify patients at risk earlier and tailoring their care, we can reduce complications and improve recovery after major surgery. This research shows the power of international collaboration in driving better outcomes for our patients.”