RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Oesophagectomy and Chest Wall and Respiratory Function

This research is investigating how surgery to remove part of the food pipe (oesophagectomy) for cancer impacts how the chest moves and how well lungs work. Traditional surgery can sometimes lead to breathing problems. While keyhole surgery and special recovery programmes have helped, doctors want to find even better ways to monitor and improve breathing after this major operation. This study will use special 3D cameras and wearable sensors to accurately measure chest movement. They'll compare these measurements in healthy volunteers and patients who had the surgery a while ago. The goal is to see if these new tools are reliable and could help create more tailored physiotherapy programmes to improve breathing for patients after cancer surgery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

100

Start

29 May 2019

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2025

Esophageal Cancer Esophagectomy Respiratory Function Loss

What is this study about?

When someone has surgery to remove part of their food pipe (oesophagus) due to cancer, it's a big operation. Sometimes, this surgery can affect how well the lungs work and how the chest moves, leading to breathing difficulties. While modern techniques like keyhole surgery have helped reduce these problems compared to older, more involved operations, and special 'enhanced recovery' programmes (which encourage early movement and breathing exercises) have also made a difference, doctors are always looking for ways to improve patient recovery and reduce complications.

This study aims to get a better understanding of how the chest moves and how breathing effectively works after this type of surgery. The researchers will be using some exciting new technology: a 3D motion capture system (like those used in making films or video games) and small, wearable sensors. These tools will help them get very precise measurements of how the chest expands and contracts when people breathe. They'll compare these measurements in healthy people and those who had the surgery over a year ago.

The main goal is to see if these new measurement tools are accurate and reliable. If they are, it could open the door to developing personalised physiotherapy programmes for patients after oesophagectomy. Imagine having a detailed program tailored just for you, using these sensors to track your progress and help you get back to your best possible lung function. This could make a real difference in helping patients recover and get their quality of life back after major cancer surgery.

Key takeaways

Investigation into how food pipe cancer surgery affects breathing.
Using new 3D cameras and wearable sensors to measure chest movement.
Aims to improve recovery and develop tailored physiotherapy.
Compares healthy people with those who had surgery over a year ago.
Could lead to better breathing support for future cancer patients.
Participation involves one visit for measurements and questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

To explore who can take part in this study, there are two main groups being looked at. The first group includes people who had open surgery to remove part of their food pipe for cancer over a year ago. It's important that they can understand the study information and give their permission to participate.

The second group is made up of healthy volunteers. These individuals shouldn't have any significant breathing problems or a history of surgery on their upper stomach or food pipe. Like the first group, they also need to be able to understand the study details and agree to take part.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. This includes being under 18 or over 90 years old, being pregnant, or if there's any sign the cancer has returned or there are ongoing problems from the original surgery. Also, anyone unable to do basic breathing tests (spirometry) would not be eligible.

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 between 18 and 90 years old?
If you had oesophageal cancer surgery, was it an 'open' operation and more than a year ago?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Are you not currently pregnant?
If you are a healthy volunteer, do you have no major breathing problems or past upper stomach/food pipe surgery?
Are you able to perform simple breathing tests?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study would involve one visit to the research centre. During this visit, your chest movement will be measured using a special 3D camera system and small, stick-on wearable sensors. You'll be asked to breathe in different ways and also use an 'incentive spirometry' device, which helps measure lung capacity. Additionally, you will undergo standard breathing tests (pulmonary function tests) and answer some questions about your general health and quality of life. The entire visit is expected to take a few hours. There are no medications involved in this study and no long-term follow-up visits.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part in this study include contributing to a better understanding of how surgery affects breathing and chest movement, which could lead to improved care for future patients. While there are no direct medical benefits for you personally, your participation could help develop better physiotherapy approaches. The risks involved are minimal; they might include minor discomfort from the sensors being placed on your skin or during breathing tests. You might also feel a little tired from the measurements. Importantly, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Charing Cross Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an oesophagectomy?

An oesophagectomy is an operation to remove a section of your food pipe (oesophagus), usually because of cancer. The remaining parts are then joined back together.

What are pulmonary complications?

These are problems related to the lungs and breathing, such as infections or difficulty breathing, which can sometimes happen after major surgery.

What is 3D motion capture?

It's a technology that uses special cameras to precisely track and record movement, much like how animated films are made. In this study, it tracks chest movement.

What is an incentive spirometry?

This is a simple device that helps you take deep breaths to improve lung function, often used as part of recovery after surgery.

How long will my participation last?

Your participation would involve a single visit to the hospital, which will take a few hours to complete all the measurements and questionnaires.

How to find out more

Sheraz R Markar, Dr

s.markar@imperial.ac.uk +44203312 2125 Official trial record

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