Examining the link between frailty and pain after thoracoscopic surgery in elderly patients

A Study on the Association Between Frailty and Acute Postoperative Pain in Elderly Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Surgery and an Investigation of the Mechanisms Involved

Observational Huazhong University of Science and Technology · NCT06281275

This study looks at how frailty affects pain after thoracoscopic surgery in older patients to see if we can find ways to help them recover better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHuazhong University of Science and Technology Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wuhan, Hubei)
Trial IDNCT06281275 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between frailty and acute postoperative pain in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. It aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to postoperative pain and how frailty affects recovery. By analyzing data from patients aged 60 and older, the study seeks to identify potential solutions to reduce pain levels and improve the quality of life for these individuals. The research is observational and focuses on patients receiving patient-controlled analgesia after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 60 and older who are undergoing thoracoscopic surgery and are classified as ASA class I-III.

Not a fit: Patients with drug dependence, significant communication difficulties, or certain metabolic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for frail elderly patients after thoracoscopic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the association between frailty and postoperative outcomes has been explored, this specific focus on acute pain in thoracoscopic surgery patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. patients undergoing thoracic surgery under general anesthesia with 48 h of postoperative patient-controlled analgesia;
2. age ≥60 years;
3. ASA class I-III;
4. signed informed consent;
5. patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who themselves refuse to participate in the study;
2. Drug dependence;
3. Patients who cannot cooperate with communication and have verbal communication difficulties;
4. Patients who cannot assess frailty preoperatively and pain postoperatively;
5. Failure to provide a compliant fecal sample at the agreed time;
6. antibiotic treatment within the last month;
7. intestinal dysfunction (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic diarrhea, and other types of intestinal disorders);
8. comorbidities of certain metabolic disorders (e.g., thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and so on) that may affect the structure of the microbial community;

Where this trial is running

Wuhan, Hubei

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 FrailtyAcute Postoperative PainGastrointestinal MicrobiomeThoracoscopy
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.