A Study of Pain Reduction After Pulmonary Resection by RATS-TT, RATS-OTC, and Hybrid RATS.
This research is comparing different surgical methods for removing part of a lung, often done to treat lung cancer. While keyhole surgery has improved recovery, inserting instruments between the ribs can sometimes damage nerves and lead to ongoing pain. The study is particularly interested in robotic-assisted surgeries. Some robotic methods place instruments through the ribs, similar to keyhole surgery. However, newer techniques try to avoid the spaces between the ribs altogether, aiming to reduce nerve injury. The study will look at how much chronic (long-term) pain patients experience three and six months after these different types of operations, hoping to find the gentlest approach for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people need to have a part of their lung removed, often because of cancer, surgeons use special techniques to do this. Keyhole surgery, where doctors make small cuts and use cameras and instruments, has become very common instead of making a large cut. While this has many benefits, inserting these instruments between the ribs can sometimes cause damage to the small nerves there. This nerve damage can lead to pain that continues for a long time after the operation. Doctors call this 'chronic pain'.
This study specifically focuses on robotic-assisted surgery, a modern type of keyhole surgery. There are a few different ways to do this. One common way uses robotic instruments that go between the ribs, similar to traditional keyhole surgery. However, a newer method is being explored where the instruments are inserted in different places, like below the ribs or near the breastbone, to try and completely avoid the sensitive areas between the ribs. The idea behind this new method is that by not going through the rib spaces, there might be less chance of nerve damage and, therefore, less ongoing pain for patients.
The main goal of this research is to compare these different surgical approaches. They will be looking very closely at how much chronic pain patients experience three months and six months after their lung surgery. By understanding which method leads to the least pain, doctors can improve how these operations are done in the future, making recovery easier and improving the quality of life for patients after such an important surgery.
Key takeaways
- Compares different lung surgery methods for long-term pain.
- Focuses on robotic-assisted surgery techniques.
- Aims to find methods that reduce nerve pain after surgery.
- Will assess pain levels at 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
- Involves patients already undergoing lung removal surgery.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. Doctors will also check your overall health using a standard scale called the ASA score, and you would generally need to be in fair to good health (ASA score 1-3).
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if there's a language barrier, or if you have a medical condition that would make it very difficult to accurately tell doctors about your pain, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you've had to have a second operation very soon after your main lung surgery due to complications, you wouldn't be included.
Finally, if you decide you don't want to take part in the study, that's absolutely fine, and you wouldn't be included.
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 generally in fair to good health (ASA 1-3)?
- Can you clearly communicate about your pain levels?
- Have you *not* needed a second operation soon after your lung surgery due to complications?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, you will have regular check-ups after your lung surgery. The main thing they will be looking at is your pain levels. You will be asked about your pain at the 3-month mark and then again at 6 months after your operation. This will involve answering questions about how you feel and how much pain you might be experiencing. There are no additional medications or experimental procedures involved beyond your planned surgery. The study simply observes and compares pain outcomes for patients undergoing different surgical techniques that are already in use.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontrealVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of lung surgery is this study about?
This study is about operations where part of the lung is removed, often to treat lung conditions like cancer, using different keyhole and robotic techniques.
Why is 'pain reduction' so important after lung surgery?
Chronic (long-term) pain can significantly affect your recovery and daily life. This study aims to find surgical methods that cause less ongoing pain for patients.
What's the difference between RATS-TT and RATS-OTC?
RATS-TT involves placing surgical instruments between the ribs, which can sometimes affect nerves. RATS-OTC tries to avoid the rib spaces by using different entry points, aiming to reduce nerve damage.
Will I get a new type of treatment if I join this study?
No, this study is comparing existing surgical methods that surgeons already use. You won't receive an experimental treatment. It's about observing pain outcomes.
What happens if I decide I don't want to be in the study anymore?
You are free to withdraw from the study at any point. Your decision will not affect the medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Alex Moore, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.