Evaluating factors related to chronic pain after hysterectomy

Evaluation of Central Sensitization, Fear-Avoidance, and Pain-Pressure Threshold With Chronic Pain in Post-Hysterectomy Patients: A Collaborative Cohort Study (EPOCH - Enhancing Post-operative Outcomes in Chronic Pain After Hysterectomy)

Observational KK Women's and Children's Hospital · NCT04014829

This study is trying to find out what factors might lead to chronic pain after a hysterectomy in women, by looking at things like anxiety and how they feel about pain before and after the surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment436 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorKK Women's and Children's Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Singapore)
Trial IDNCT04014829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify clinically relevant factors associated with chronic post-hysterectomy pain (CPHP) by assessing central sensitization, fear-avoidance, and pain-pressure thresholds in patients undergoing elective hysterectomy for benign conditions. The study will recruit 236 participants at KK Hospital in Singapore and evaluate these risk factors preoperatively, with follow-up assessments at 4 and 6 months post-surgery. Additionally, the study will explore the relationship between heart rate variability, anxiety levels, and anticipated pain with postoperative outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 21 to 80 undergoing elective abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic pain syndrome or those undergoing vaginal hysterectomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved preoperative assessments and interventions to reduce the risk of chronic pain after hysterectomy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of factors being studied is novel, previous studies have indicated that central sensitization and fear-avoidance are relevant to chronic pain outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 21 to 80 years old
* American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Scale (ASA) I to III
* Benign gynaecological indications for hysterectomy
* Elective abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Vaginal hysterectomy
* Uterine prolapse, endometriosis, malignant disease, or pelvic pain as main indication for surgery
* History of drug dependence or recreational drug use
* History of chronic pain syndrome
* Current chronic daily treatment with corticosteroids, excluding inhaled steroids
* Allergy to study drugs
* Major heart surgery
* Heart transplant
* Pacemaker inserted
* Baseline non-sinus cardiac rhythm

Where this trial is running

Singapore

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HysterectomyChronic PainCentral SensitisationAnxiety DepressionFear-AvoidanceCentral SensitizationPain-Pressure ThresholdMechanical Temporal Summation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.