Appendicectomy dataset

<strong>Overview</strong> This is the dataset for the UK trainee-led National Surgical Research Collaborative's multicentre appendicectomy cohort study. It included consecutive patients undergoing appendicectomy during May and June 2012 across 95 centres (89 within the UK, 6 overseas). The accompanying data dictionary explains the fields. The full protocol and explanation of methodology has been previously published (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23842836). The data is fully anonymous for patients, doctors and hospitals. There is no patient identifable information. <strong>Current publications</strong> The dataset has already been used to publish papers. The first paper investigated variation in rates. Subsequent papers on delay to appendicectomy, impact of seniority of operating surgeon, effect of day of the week and outcome in paediatric patients have been published or submitted for peer review. <strong>Intended use</strong> This data is intended to be open access, and free to download/use without costs of barriers. It could be used for further publications, patient level meta-analysis, or benchmarking for local surgeon/departmental performance. If there are any queries, including proposed projects to ensure no overlap with existing projects, please contact us.