FOI_25-134 Research, patient guidance and notes on Visceroptosis
Date of response: 02 June 2025
We have now considered your request of 03 May 2025 for the following information:
Question 1. All research studies (including published papers, internal research, audits, case reviews, or ongoing research) the university has conducted, participated in or collaborated in, that involve visceroptosis or related diagnoses
Question 2. All internal policies, clinical guidelines, diagnostic protocols, or treatment pathways produced by or had the university's involved in that relate specifically to visceroptosis, also known as ptosis of the viscera, including any documents that reference this condition in the context of gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, or general medical services
Question 3. Any patient information leaflets, staff training materials, or standard operating procedures (SOPs) that reference or address the management of viscerotropic which the university has produced or been involved with.
If this condition is not specifically recognised under the term "visceroptosis," please include documentation for related or synonymous terms such as gastroptosis, nephroptosis, ptosis of abdominal organs, or organ prolapse not attributable to hernia or pelvic floor disorders.
For context: what is Visceroptosis? Visceroptosis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal downward displacement or "sagging" of abdominal organs (viscera), such as the stomach, intestines, kidneys, or liver. It is a form of organ ptosis and is usually associated with weakened connective tissue or supportive structures in the abdomen.
It can cause a range of symptoms, including: abdominal discomfort or pain, digestive disturbances (bloating, constipation), a sense of heaviness or dragging in the abdomen, in rare cases, functional impairment of the displaced organs. It was more commonly diagnosed in the early 20th century but is less frequently acknowledged in modern clinical practice, which may contribute to challenges in diagnosis or recognition.
Clarification received 03 May 2025:
Please include from January 2000 to the present day.
Our response:
We regret that on this occasion it is not possible to provide the requested information.
Under Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, we can confirm that the University does hold the information requested, however on this occasion it is not possible for us to provide any of the information relating to all research papers, all internal policies or any patient information leaflets the University has produced, collaborated on or been involved with on the topic of Visceroptosis since January 2000.
We have determined that the cost of finding and assembling the requested information will exceed the ‘appropriate limit’ as defined by section 12 of the Act and the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004/3244.
'The ‘appropriate limit’ of £450, which equates to 18 hours’ work, as defined by the Information Commissioner’s Office, can relate to one request in its entirety or to a series of linked requests. If the University cannot locate, retrieve and extract some or all of the requested information within the 18 hours we are not obliged to retrieve any of the requested information.
Information relating to all research papers, any patient information leaflets or internal policies clinical guidelines diagnostics protocols or treatment pathways is held within our Research and Innovation Division (RID) Postgraduate Research (PGR) and our Faculty of Medicine and Health – Norwich Medical School (MED). There is no central record of where this information is held.
For the period outlined in your request we have established that for data held specifically by MED there are innumerable research papers (historic and current research projects), research documents and medical research documents which may fall into the scope of your request.() We have further established that in order to even identify if any of these documents hold information relating to your request would take us over the statutory time limit of 18 hours.
To assist you in formulating a request to which we can respond, we would be able to provide to you the names of research papers on the topic held by RID and PGR departments.
We have consulted with RIN and PGR, and in line with your rights under section 1(1)(a) of the Act to be informed whether information is held, we confirm that these departments of the University do not hold any recorded information for all research studies (including published papers, internal research, audits, case reviews, or ongoing research) the university has conducted, participated in or collaborated in, that involve Visceroptosis or related diagnoses. Nor do these departments hold any recorded information for any internal policies or guidance, or patient information sheets relating to Visceroptosis in the requested period.
We are sorry we cannot provide all of the data you requested, but trust this response explains our position.