TERSC follow on study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the incidence of chronic post-surgical pain in patients undergoing mid-line laparotomy, and can potential antecedents be identified – A follow on observational study of the TERSC trial
IRAS ID
237545
Contact name
Anton Krige
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 19 days
Research summary
Background and aims:
This study will look at the incidence and nature of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) following planned open major abdominal surgery via a vertical abdominal incision. Chronic post-surgical pain is defined as pain at the site of surgery that lasts for longer than 3 months, and cannot be due to another condition such as infection. The study will also attempt to identify potential risk factors that might increase the likelihood of developing CPSP. Currently, there is little research on the incidence of CPSP following non hernia abdominal surgery, and even less is known about the characteristics and implications of the condition for the patient and this is what we aim to describe. In identifying the size of the problem, the impact it is having on peoples quality of life, and potential risk factors we would hope to inform future research aimed at better preventing and managing CPSP.
Who can participate?
Everyone who participated in the TERSC study will be invited to participate in this follow up study. The TERSC study compared 2 different types of pain relief (epidural v’s rectus sheath catheters) for the management of post operative pain following planned open major abdominal surgery via a vertical incision
What is involved?
Living TERSC study participants will be sent an invitation to participate along with a participant information sheet together with a postal questionnaire pack containing 3 short surveys each taking roughly 10 minutes to complete. These documents will accompany the lay version of the TERSC study report. The surveys will assess the presence or absence of chronic pain and ask about it’s nature and impact on physical and emotional well-being. A stamped addressed envelope will also be included. All other information regarding possible risk factors, such as length and type of surgery, will be gathered from the TERSC database.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0194
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion