Ongoing research
Welcome to our section on ongoing research, here you will find information on ongoing projects, clinical studies and innovative treatment methods. For already published results see page: publications.
Paintrac
2020
Natural progression of pain after abdominal surgery: Impact of adhesions and other risk factors for chronification of abdominal pain
An operation in the abdomen causes pain. Often this pain disappears some time after the procedure. However, some patients who undergo abdominal surgery develop long-term or permanent pain, or chronic pain. In some patients, the pain seems to be caused by adhesions. The aim of this study is to gain more insight into the normal course of pain after an operation, and to map risk factors for the development of chronic pain. In addition, the precise role of adhesions in the development of chronic pain is studied.
Principal Investigator: Richard ten Broek
PainPad
2019
Histological and Molecular Mechanisms of Pain in Patients With Chronic Pain From Adhesions
11-20% of patients undergoing abdominal surgery develop chronic abdominal pain. Adhesions are a common cause of chronic postoperative pain and occur after 90% of laparotomies and 70% of laparoscopic surgeries. Of course, not all adhesions cause pain. It is not yet well understood why adhesions cause pain in some patients, while other patients with adhesions experience no pain.
In this study we investigate the possible mechanism by which adhesions can cause pain. For this we will assess the expression of molecular mediators (such as TRPV-1, SP and neurokinin receptors), histological features and fecal microbiome that may be associated with pain. Expression of these factors will be compared with samples from 30 patients with chronic pain attributed to adhesions and 30 patients who underwent reoperation with adhesiolysis for reasons unrelated to pain.
Principal Investigator: Richard ten Broek
CineMRI for detection of adhesions
2009
Cine-magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Detecting Intra Abdominal Adhesions
Adhesions are a common problem in abdominal surgery. Adhesions are a form of internal scar tissue and are often asymptomatic. However, in some patients, adhesions cause serious complications such as chronic pain or obstruction of the small bowel. Adhesions can also block access to the abdominal cavity and reoperations are more difficult. Accurate imaging of adhesions can contribute to better diagnosis and the prevention of injuries during reoperations. CineMRI is a promising technique to map adhesions using functional MRI images. There are ongoing research projects to improve the technique and assessment of CineMRI.
Principal Investigator: Richard ten Broek