TOGU Research Database
Research type
Research Database
IRAS ID
369226
Contact name
Simon Parsons
Contact email
Research summary
TOGU Research Database
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0132
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
This research database stores information that has already been collected as part of routine care for adults treated for upper gastrointestinal conditions at Nottingham University Hospitals since 2001. This includes patients treated for oesophageal, stomach and related conditions by endoscopy or surgery.
The information includes basic details such as age, sex and general health, details of diagnosis, scans, endoscopy findings, treatments received (including surgery, endoscopic therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy), and recovery after treatment. It also includes pathology results, complications, length of hospital stay, readmissions and long-term outcomes such as survival.
No new tests, appointments or contact with patients are required. The information is taken securely from existing hospital electronic records, theatre logs, endoscopy systems, pathology systems and cancer registries.
Before being used for research, personal identifiers such as names and hospital numbers are removed and replaced with a unique study code. Only a small number of approved clinical staff can access the identifiable data, which is stored on secure NHS computers. Researchers are only given fully anonymised data.
Patients do not need to do anything for their information to be included, and their care is not affected in any way.
Research programme
The Trent Oesophago-Gastric Unit is a large specialist centre providing complex upper gastrointestinal care to around two million people. This work generates a large amount of detailed clinical information that is not currently brought together in a single resource for research. This database allows doctors and researchers to study the outcomes of thousands of patients over many years to better understand which treatments work best, how complications can be reduced, and how recovery and survival can be improved. The database will support research into cancers of the oesophagus and stomach, Barrett’s oesophagus, reflux disease, achalasia, hiatal hernia, biliary disease, and other complex upper gastrointestinal conditions. It will also support studies of endoscopic treatments, emergency care, and surgical techniques. Approved NHS clinicians and academic researchers will be able to apply to use anonymised data for ethically approved research projects, audits and service improvement work. Findings will be shared through medical journals and scientific meetings. By learning from real patient experiences over time, this database will help improve future care, safety and outcomes for patients with upper gastrointestinal disease.
Research database title
TOGU Research Database
Establishment organisation
Nottingham City Hospital
Establishment organisation address
Hucknall Road
Nottingham
NG5 1PB