The neurological effects of pancreatectomy in chronic pancreatitis v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study investigating the effect of surgery on neurological function in patients with chronic pancreatitis who are undergoing total pancreatectomy for pain relief.
IRAS ID
125407
Contact name
Irene Tracey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Research summary
A pilot study investigating the effect of surgery on neurological function in patients with chronic pancreatitis who are undergoing total pancreatectomy for pain relief.
Patients with chronic pancreatitis suffer from severe abdominal pain which often responds poorly to treatment. In a few patients, the pancreas is removed for pain relief. However, this does not always eliminate pain. The reasons for this are unclear but are likely to involve brain processes. Functional imaging can be used to determine areas of the brain that are activated in pain.
The aim of this study is to use functional imaging to determine how the brain is affected by removal of the pancreas, and whether changes in the brain reflect whether pain is relieved by the procedure.
Initially we will aim to recruit at least 5 patients from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust who are undergoing pancreatectomy. They will undergo functional brain imaging pre-operatively, and 6 months post-operatively. At both timepoints they will complete questionnaires designed to learn more about their pain and the physical and psychological factors which may influence it. Participants who are willing to do so will also complete quantitative sensory testing sessions. These measure the perception of standardised skin stimulation. The imaging data will be analysed using specialist software to determine what changes have taken place between the pre-operative and post-operative stage. Data on pain and associated factors will also be analysed to determine how this relates to the imaging data. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and if the study is successful, the aim will be to complete a larger, multicentre study in the future to ensure adequate power.This study is funded by grants held by Professor Tracey from the Wellcome Trust and Innovative Medicines Initiative. One investigator holds an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/0010
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion