Understanding chronic pain after surgery

IMPETUS: Integrated Mechanisms, Phenotypes, and Translational Underpinnings of Chronic Pain after Surgery

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11043819

This study is looking into why some people experience long-lasting pain after surgery, hoping to find better ways to predict and treat this pain by exploring how different factors like biology and psychology play a role.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11043819 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), which affects nearly 20% of patients after major surgery. It aims to uncover the complex biological mechanisms behind CPSP by integrating insights from various fields such as pain neurobiology, psychology, and genomics. The study will analyze how different factors contribute to the diverse experiences of pain among patients, using advanced techniques like machine learning and bioinformatics. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve predictions and treatments for CPSP.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are undergoing or have recently undergone major surgical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had surgery or those with acute pain conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for predicting, preventing, and treating chronic pain after surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding chronic pain mechanisms, but this integrated approach is relatively novel and aims to fill existing gaps.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.