RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Investigate and Predict Aortic & Thoracic Surgery Persistenet Postsurgical Pain

This study investigates why some patients experience long-lasting pain after a major operation on their chest and stomach aorta (a large blood vessel). It's an observational study, meaning researchers will carefully watch and collect information from patients undergoing this specific surgery. They aim to understand more about the individuals who are most likely to develop persistent pain, as nearly half of all survivors still have pain around their surgical wound three months after the operation, and often longer. By looking at different aspects of patients' health and experiences, the study hopes to find ways to identify those at risk early and ultimately improve how pain is managed after surgery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

12 Jun 2022

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2029

Persistent Postsurgical Pain

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into a common problem: why some people continue to have pain for a long time after major surgery, specifically operations on the aorta in the chest and stomach area. This type of surgery is very important for many conditions, but unfortunately, quite a few patients experience ongoing pain around their surgical wound even months or years later. Currently, doctors don't have a good way to prevent this lasting pain from happening.

The main goal of this study is to understand *why* this chronic pain develops in some people and not others. The researchers will be observing patients who are having this surgery to gather lots of different information about them before and after their operation. This includes looking at their physical health, how they cope with stress (psychological factors), and their social situation. They believe that understanding these different aspects of a person could help explain who is more likely to suffer from persistent pain.

By gathering this information, the researchers hope to build a clearer picture of what makes someone more vulnerable to long-term pain after surgery. This knowledge could eventually help doctors identify patients at higher risk *before* their operation and develop better ways to prevent or treat this pain, leading to much better outcomes and quality of life for patients. It's a key step towards improving pain management in the future.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why some people get long-lasting pain after chest/stomach aorta surgery.
It's an observational study – no new treatments are given.
Focuses on adults having planned thoracoabdominal aorta surgery.
Information gathered could help future patients with better pain management.
Participation involves assessments before and after surgery.
You can stop taking part at any time without affecting your NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must be an adult, aged 18 or over. You need to be having a planned operation on your chest and stomach aorta, which is a major blood vessel. It's important that you can understand the study information and instructions and are able to talk to the research team.

Unfortunately, if you are under 18 years old, you won't be able to join. Also, if you aren't able or willing to give your permission to be part of the study, then you won't be able to participate. This study is specifically for adults undergoing this particular type of planned surgery.

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?
Are you having a planned operation on your chest and stomach aorta?
Can you understand and follow simple instructions?
Are you willing to discuss your health and feelings with researchers?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's considered an "observational" study. This means you won't be given any new treatments or medications; instead, researchers will be carefully observing and collecting information about you during your standard care. This will involve some assessments before your surgery and then again afterwards. These assessments might include talking about your pain and general well-being, and potentially some simple tests to see how your body processes pain signals. The researchers will explain exactly what's involved and how long each assessment will take. They will follow your progress over a period after your surgery to understand how your pain changes over time.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is that you would be contributing to a better understanding of pain after surgery, which could help future patients. You might not directly benefit yourself, but the information collected could lead to improved pain treatments for others. As this is an observational study, you won't be receiving new treatments, so the risks are generally low. However, some assessments might involve a little discomfort, similar to standard medical check-ups. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

St Bartholomew's Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'persistent postsurgical pain'?

This is ongoing pain that lasts for three months or more after a surgery, particularly around the area where you had your operation.

Is this study giving out new medicines?

No, this is an 'observational' study, meaning researchers will be watching and collecting information during your usual care, not giving new treatments.

What kind of surgery is this study focused on?

It's for people having a planned operation on their 'thoracoabdominal aorta,' which is a major blood vessel in your chest and stomach.

Will my doctors know if I choose not to join?

Yes, they will know your decision, but it will not affect the quality of your medical care in any way.

What new information do you hope to find?

We hope to understand why some people get long-term pain after this surgery so we can identify those at risk and eventually improve pain relief.

How to find out more

Brian Herath, MBBS

b.herath@nhs.net 00447870681640 Official trial record

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