RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

PrEventing PostoPERative Pulmonary Complications by Establishing a MachINe-learning assisTed Approach

This study is looking into new ways to predict lung problems that can happen after surgery, called Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (POPCs). These problems can be serious, and doctors want to find better ways to spot patients who might be at higher risk. The research uses a special computer programme, known as machine learning, to analyse patient information and ultrasound scans taken after surgery. By identifying these risks earlier, the aim is to prevent complications or treat them more effectively before they become serious. This trial involves 512 adult patients having planned surgery under general anaesthesia.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Britta Trautwein

Enrolment target

512

Start

25 Apr 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Postoperative Pulmonary Complications

What is this study about?

This study is trying to make surgery even safer for you. After some operations, particularly those under general anaesthesia, a number of people can develop lung issues. These are called Postoperative Pulmonary Complications, or POPCs. These complications can unfortunately make recovery longer or more difficult, and can even be very serious. Currently, doctors have some ways to predict who might be at risk, but they are looking for even more accurate methods.

The main goal of this research is to see if a clever computer programme, known as 'machine learning', can help predict these lung problems earlier and more reliably. This programme will look at information already collected in your medical records, as well as special ultrasound pictures of your lungs taken in the recovery room. By bringing all this information together, the computer aims to spot warning signs of lung problems before they become obvious or serious. This could allow your medical team to take steps to prevent these complications from developing, or treat them very early on.

The researchers believe that by combining regular patient information with ultrasound scans and using this advanced computer analysis, they can get a much clearer picture of who might be at risk. This study will involve 512 adult patients who are having planned surgery with general anaesthesia. If successful, this approach could help improve patient care and make recovery after surgery smoother for many people in the future.

Key takeaways

Looks for better ways to predict lung problems after surgery.
Uses a special computer programme called 'machine learning'.
Combines routine patient data with ultrasound scans.
Aims to spot risks early to improve treatment and recovery.
For adults having planned surgery under general anaesthesia.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over, who is scheduled for a planned surgical operation. This operation must require you to have a general anaesthetic.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are under 18, or if your surgery is a day-case (meaning you go home on the same day). Also, if it's already expected that you'll need to go to an intensive care unit (ICU) straight after your surgery, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

The researchers want to focus on typical patients having standard planned surgery under general anaesthesia. This helps them understand how their new prediction method works in a common surgical setting.

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 planned surgery?
Will you be having a general anaesthetic for your surgery?
Is your surgery *not* a day-case where you go home the same day?
Is it *not* already planned for you to go to intensive care after your operation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves patients already having planned surgery under general anaesthesia. You won't need extra visits. The research team will collect information from your existing medical records and perform an ultrasound scan of your lungs in the recovery room, which is a common and painless procedure. They will then use this information with their computer program to look for signs of lung complications. The total duration of your participation would be from when you have your surgery until your recovery is complete, but it won't require any extra time or appointments from you beyond your normal care.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information gathered could help improve care for future patients by allowing doctors to predict and potentially prevent lung problems after surgery more effectively. The study involves collecting routine data and a standard ultrasound scan; these procedures carry very little extra risk. There are no additional medications or treatments given as part of the study. You are always free to decide not to take part or to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Ulm
Verified postcode
Ulm, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'Postoperative Pulmonary Complications'?

These are lung-related problems that can happen after surgery, such as pneumonia or breathing difficulties. They can make recovery slower.

What is 'machine learning'?

It's a type of computer programme that can learn from data, like patient information and scans, to find patterns and make predictions.

Will I have to do anything extra if I join this study?

No, you don't need to do anything extra. The study uses information already collected during your normal care and a simple ultrasound scan in recovery.

Is an ultrasound scan painful?

No, an ultrasound scan is a painless and safe procedure that uses sound waves to create pictures of your lungs.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify the funding source for this research.

How to find out more

Britta Trautwein, MD

britta.trautwein@uniklinik-ulm.de 00731 500 60227 Official trial record

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