Using diaphragm ultrasound to predict respiratory complications after surgery

Diaphragm Dysfunction and Respiratory Complications in the Perioperative Setting- Can Diaphragm Ultrasound Aid Prediction?

Observational Karolinska University Hospital · NCT05906030

This study is testing if using ultrasound to check diaphragm function can help predict breathing problems after major surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Stockholm, Stockholm County and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05906030 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between diaphragm function, as measured by ultrasound, and the occurrence of respiratory complications in patients undergoing major elective abdominal, pelvic, or vascular surgery. Diaphragm ultrasound will be performed both preoperatively and postoperatively to assess diaphragm thickening fraction, excursion, and density. The study will collect various physiological and laboratory parameters, along with data on surgery, anesthesia, and comorbidities, to correlate these with postoperative respiratory events such as pneumonia and desaturation. The goal is to identify predictive markers that could help mitigate complications following surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults scheduled for major elective abdominal, pelvic, or vascular surgery.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with chronic respiratory diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prediction and prevention of respiratory complications in postoperative patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using diaphragm ultrasound in the perioperative setting is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in predicting respiratory complications in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adults undergoing elective (study 1) or acute (study 2) abdominal, pelvic or vascular surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18 years
* Underlying chronic respiratory disease
* Patients not able to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Stockholm, Stockholm County 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 Respiratory InsufficiencyPneumoniaDesaturation of BloodTachypneaAtelectasis, PostoperativeDiaphragm dysfunctionPostoperative complicationRespiratory complication
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.