Exploring Risk Factors and Neurophysiological Mechanisms Underlying the Development of Chronic Postsurgical Pain...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Pain Medicine
• Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

• Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) affects up to 50% of patients after thoracic surgery.
• Limited understanding of risk factors and neurophysiological mechanisms of CPSP.
• Preoperative neurophysiological predictors for CPSP remain unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the feasibility of a study design for a larger observational cohort.
• Explore preoperative neurophysiological markers and clinical characteristics associated with CPSP risk.
• Investigate postoperative cortical function differences in patients with and without CPSP.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 30 participants undergoing thoracic surgery for 2 assessment sessions (preoperative and 3 months postoperative).
• Utilizing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) for neurophysiological measures.
• Assessing CPSP diagnosis using a validated definition and quantitative sensory testing.

Main Results:

• This is an ongoing, ethics-approved study with initial funding in March 2023.
• Recruitment began in January 2025, with 22 participants enrolled to date.
• Data collection is anticipated to conclude by April 2026.

Conclusions:

• The study protocol details a feasibility assessment for identifying neurophysiological markers of CPSP.
• Demonstrating feasibility is expected to support a larger-scale study.
• Enhanced understanding of CPSP mechanisms may guide targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions.