Exploring brain signals related to postoperative pain

Determination of the Association of Intraoperative Nociception Electroencephalographic Biomarkers and Postoperative Pain

Observational University of Chile · NCT06313320

This study is trying to see if brain signals during surgery can help predict how much pain people will feel after having laparoscopic abdominal surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chile Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Santiago, RM and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06313320 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between intraoperative electroencephalographic (EEG) signals and the severity of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. The study will utilize a standardized Intraepidermal Electrical Stimulation (IES) protocol to collect EEG data at various stages of the surgical procedure. Participants will receive calibrated electrical stimuli to assess their pain thresholds, and their pain levels will be monitored using a Numeric Pain Rating Scale in the post-anesthesia care unit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery under general anesthesia with an American Society of Anesthesiologist Performance Status of I or II.

Not a fit: Patients with a body mass index over 35, severe neuropsychiatric illnesses, or those with a history of chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for postoperative patients by identifying EEG biomarkers associated with pain severity.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using EEG to assess pain is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in correlating brain activity with pain perception, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anesthesiologist Performance Status I or II
* Scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery under General Anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Body Mass Index \> 35 kg/m2
* Past history or suspected difficult airway
* Craniofacial malformations
* Use of regional anesthesia technique during or after the surgery
* Severe arrhythmia or use of a pacemaker device
* Severe neuropsychiatric illness (Mayor depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
* Regular use of psychoactive drugs
* Any injury in the right hand
* Past history of peripheral neuropathy
* Diabetes Mellitus
* Known lesion in the spinothalamic tract.
* Analgesics used in the past 72 hours
* Known allergy to propofol
* Previous diagnosis of a condition associated with chronic pain (such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, migraine)

Where this trial is running

Santiago, RM and 1 other locations

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 Pain PostoperativeNociceptive PainPainNociceptionElectroencephalogram
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.