Correlation of Eicosanoid and Proresolving Lipid Mediator Temporal Profiles and Resolution of Pain After Thoracic Surgery

This is a prospective, observational pilot study that will assess whether 1) a peri-operative dysregulated metabolo-lipidomics or SPM profile is associated with slower resolution of pain after surgery and an increased risk for development of persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP), and 2) whether a peri-operative dysregulated metabolo-lipidomics profile correlates with low Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) scores, duration of hospital stay and frequency of complications, e.g. wound infection.

The study will address the following Specific Aims:

Specific Aim 1: To determine the correlation between the perioperative eicosanoid and pro-resolving lipid mediator temporal profile and day-to-day resolution of pain after thoracic surgery.

We hypothesize that patients who have slower resolution of pain after thoracic surgery have dysregulated systemic lipid mediator pathways when compared to those patients who have faster resolution of pain.

Specific Aim 2: To determine the effectiveness of perioperative SPM signature as a novel predictive marker for the development of persistent pain after surgery (PPSP).

We hypothesize that patients with dysregulated systemic lipid mediator pathways, more specifically up-regulated pro-inflammatory lipid mediator pathways and down-regulated pro-resolving lipid mediator pathways, are more likely to develop PPSP.

Specific Aim 3: To determine the correlation between the perioperative eicosanoid and pro-resolving lipid mediator temporal profile and quality of recovery after surgery, duration of hospital stay and complications.

We hypothesize that dysregulated lipid mediator profiles are associated with a decreased Quality of Recovery Score (QoR-15), prolonged hospital stay and increased rates of complications, such as problems with wound healing and infection.