Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Anaesthetic Technique for Minor Lower Limb Amputation Surgery (ATLLAS)

This research is investigating the best type of anaesthesia for operations to remove part of a leg, specifically at or below the ankle. These operations, sometimes called 'minor amputations', are more common than many realise and can be a sign of existing health problems. While doctors understand a lot about anaesthesia for larger leg operations, there's less known about its effects on smaller ones. Early findings suggest that using a nerve block, which numbs just the leg, might lead to fewer complications and shorter hospital stays compared to a general anaesthetic, which puts you completely to sleep. This study aims to confirm these findings by looking at a larger number of patients across the country.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2027

Anesthesia Amputation; Traumatic, Leg, Lower

What is this study about?

This research focuses on operations where a part of the leg, at or below the ankle, needs to be removed. Even though these are sometimes called 'minor' amputations, they can still be a big deal for a person's health. In the UK, thousands of these operations happen each year, and unfortunately, a significant number of people experience complications or even pass away in the months following their surgery. This highlights how important it is to find the safest and most effective ways to carry out these procedures.

Doctors are particularly interested in the type of anaesthesia used during these operations. Anaesthesia is medicine that stops you from feeling pain during surgery. There are different types, such as a general anaesthetic, which makes you completely unconscious, or a regional anaesthetic (like a nerve block), which just numbs the area being operated on while you might stay awake or be lightly sedated. While past studies have looked at anaesthesia for larger leg amputations, there's not much information about these 'minor' ones.

Early research from one hospital found some interesting results. They looked back at patients who had these operations and noticed that those who received a nerve block, even older patients with other health conditions, actually had fewer complications and went home sooner than patients who had a general anaesthetic. This suggests that nerve blocks might be a better option for many patients. This new large-scale study aims to build on these findings to see if these benefits hold true for more people across the country.

Key takeaways

This study is comparing different types of anaesthesia for lower leg operations.
It focuses on operations to remove part of the leg at or below the ankle.
Early findings suggest nerve blocks might be safer than general anaesthesia for these operations.
The research uses existing anonymised patient records, so no direct patient involvement is needed.
The goal is to improve safety and recovery for future patients undergoing these procedures.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from adult patients who had an amputation at or below the ankle between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2025. You won't need to do anything extra as part of this study; researchers will simply be looking at existing health records.

To be included, patients must have been 18 years old or older at the time of their surgery. The amputation must have been performed at the ankle or lower down the leg.

Patients would not be included if their amputation was due to an injury (like an accident), a problem with their nerves, or ongoing pain that isn't related to blood flow issues.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did your amputation involve your ankle or a part of your foot?
Was your operation between January 2019 and January 2025?
Was your amputation not due to an injury, nerve problem, or chronic pain?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a ‘retrospective review,’ which means researchers are looking back at existing anonymised patient health records. If you meet the criteria, information about your procedure will be included in the study. You will not be asked to do anything or attend any appointments. Your participation would be completely passive, meaning you wouldn’t have any direct involvement, and your healthcare will not be affected in any way. The study duration is from 2019 to 2025, during which patient data is being collected and analysed.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks to individuals whose data is used in this study, as it involves reviewing existing, anonymised patient records, meaning your personal identity will not be known to the researchers. The potential benefit is that the findings could help doctors choose the safest and most effective anaesthetic for future patients undergoing similar operations, potentially leading to fewer complications and quicker recoveries for many. Patients whose records are used have no direct right to withdraw their data once it has been anonymised, as it cannot be linked back to them.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospital of North Midlands
Verified postcode
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'minor lower limb amputation'?

This is an operation where a part of the leg is removed at or below the ankle.

What is the difference between general anaesthesia and a nerve block?

General anaesthesia makes you completely unconscious during surgery. A nerve block numbs only the part of your body being operated on, so you might be awake or sedated but not fully asleep.

Why is this study important?

It aims to find out which type of anaesthesia is safer and leads to a better recovery for patients having 'minor' leg amputations, which could improve care for many people.

Will I have to do anything if my records are used?

No, you won't need to do anything. This study looks at existing, anonymised patient records, so there's no direct involvement for you.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all patient information used in this study is anonymised, meaning it cannot be traced back to you personally, ensuring your privacy.

How to find out more

Aviva Ogbolosingha

aviva.ogbolosingha@uhnm.nhs.uk 01782 675380 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.