Clinical Research Directory

Optimizing Patient-centred Outcomes Using Opioid Minimization Strategies: The OPUS Anesthesia Pilot Trial

Up to 40% of patients experience suboptimal recovery in the days following major surgery, limiting their return to functional independence. Few preventive interventions exist, but intravenous dexmedetomidine and lidocaine administered during general anesthesia represent simple strategies that may significantly impact recovery and other patient-centred outcomes after surgery. The goal of this pilot trial is to determine the feasibility of conducting a phase 3 pragmatic adaptive multicentre trial to evaluate the impact of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine administered during major non-cardiac surgery on patient-centred outcomes.

Comparing Mindfulness-based Breath Training and Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Shoulder Surgery Patients in the Postoperative Pain.

Although shoulder surgeries can effectively relieve pain intensity and restore shoulder function, some patients reported persistent post-operative pain at the 6-month post-surgery follow-up visit. This randomized study aims to determine the effectiveness of three different types of bio-psychosocial support to pre-operative shoulder surgery patients. This study will examine the differential effects of brief mindfulness-based breathing, heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF), and cognitive behavioral pain psychoeducation for pre-operative patients.

Anesthetic Optimization in Pediatric LeFort Surgeries

This study will propose and evaluate a standardized LeFort osteotomy anesthetic protocol for pediatric patients at Johns Hopkins Hospital. There are two cohorts to this study: a prospective cohort who will receive the study anesthesia protocol and a historical cohort that received standard of care. The investigators hope this will help to minimize unnecessary postoperative pain management, inpatient stay, and long-term morbidity and mortality in these patients.

Evaluation of the Effect of Postoperative Analgesia Techniques With ObsQoR-10

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of postoperative analgesia techniques-transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and wound infiltration-on recovery in patients undergoing elective cesarean section, using the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10) questionnaire. The secondary objective is to assess pain scores, analgesic consumption, and adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and pruritus within the first 24 hours postoperatively.

Blood Ropivacaine Concentrations Following Chest Wall Nerve Block Continuous Infusion

The main objective of this proposed investigation is to evaluate blood ropivacaine concentrations in infants and toddlers following the initiation of, and over the course of, continuous paravertebral nerve blockade using ropivacaine infusion for postoperative pain control following esophageal atresia repair procedures that include posterior tracheopexy. Continuous unilateral chest wall nerve blockade (CUCWNB) using ropivacaine is the current standard of practice for this surgical population at the investigators' institution and, as such, this study does not aim to alter the current standard clinical care received by participants but rather evaluate the blood concentrations of ropivacaine as it is routinely used.

Comparison of the Effect of Preoperative and Postoperative ESP and PVB on Postoperative Pain in VATS

The aim of this prospective controlled randomised clinical trial was to identify the analgesic method that is more effective than two different regional analgesia techniques routinely used for pain control after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). The effects of paravertebral block and erector spina plan (ESP) block on acute pain, need for additional analgesics and incidence of chronic pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) will be compared before surgical incision (pre-emptive) and at the end of surgery. The aim is to demonstrate that the ESP block, a relatively newer method in the literature, provides analgesia comparable to that of the paravertebral block.

Influence of Nociception Level Monitor (NOL) Guided Analgesic Delivery on Robot-assisted Colorectal Surgery

Being relatively new, the NOL monitor may offer interesting observations in perioperative nociception levels and appropriate analgesic consumption in diverse surgeries, including robot-assisted surgery. These observations may supplement the current efforts towards further advantages in rapid restitution. Therefore, the investigators planned a trial where intra-operative analgesics were guided using an NOL monitor to study if intra-operative NOL guidance influences peri-operative analgesic consumption, postoperative length of stay and quality of recovery of patients subjected for robot-assisted surgery.

Effectiveness of Erector Spinae Plane Block for Percutaneous Arthrodesis of Spinal Fractures

Spinal fracture surgery is a common surgery. Post-operative pain has been reduced by the advent of so-called minimally invasive techniques. The immediate post-operative pain, however, remains relatively high, mainly because of muscle pain following the trauma. The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a loco-regional anesthesia technique first described in 2016. A retrospective cohort study showed an improvement in post-operative analgesia of percutaneous osteosynthesis spinal surgery through a reduction in 24-hour morphine use. In order to prove and confirm the effectiveness of this technique, we will conduct a double-blind randomized controlled study. The objective will be to demonstrate the analgesic effectiveness of the technique by reducing morphine consumption in post-operative. The expected reduction in morphine consumption is set at 30%, based on the clinical experience developed in our practice.

Continuous Erector Spinae Block Versus Continuous Paravertebral Block

Overall Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of continuous erector spinae block (ESB) versus continuous paravertebral block (PVB) for postoperative analgesia in children and adolescents undergoing surgical procedures via unilateral thoracotomy. Hypothesis: The investigators hypothesize that ESP block efficacy is not inferior to that of PVB with respect to pain control and consumed opiate equivalents at 24 hours postoperatively.

Identification of Predictive Factors of Postoperative Pain After Oral Surgery From Phenotypic Parameters Easily Accessible Preoperatively (PHEDOPO)

This project aims to study various predictive factors of postoperative pain after oral surgery among different parameters accessible preoperatively, in order to build a predictive model. It also aims to validate the external consistency of the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire in an odontological context.

Bupivacaine-Lidocaine vs Bupivacaine for Ultrasound-Guided Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of two local anesthetic regimens for ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block in adult patients undergoing elective distal lower extremity surgery. Eligible participants (ages 18-65, ASA physical status I-III, BMI 18-35 kg/m²) will be randomized into two equal groups of 30. Patients in Group BL will receive a combination of 10 mL 2% lidocaine and 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine, while patients in Group B will receive 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine alone, administered via ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block prior to surgery. The primary outcome is the onset time of sensory and motor blockade. Secondary outcomes include block success rate, duration of sensory and motor block, postoperative opioid consumption, pain scores assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively, Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score, and incidence of rebound pain. The study is conducted at Ataturk University Research Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Erzurum, Turkey.

Fixed Combination of Dipyrone and Codeine for Controlling Pain After Pelvic-abdominal Surgery

Phase III clinical trial, multicentre, superiority, randomized, open, parallel groups, with active control and use of postoperative oral medication (multiple doses of medication).

Lumbar ESPB in Hip Replacement Surgery

In this study, continuous erector spinae plane block (ESPB) will be compared to continuous epidural analgesia in patients undergoing elective hip replacement surgery. Opioid consumption, pain severity, quadriceps femoris muscle strength, ability to walk, and quality of recovery will be evaluated. Moreover, chronic pain severity in months after the hospital discharge will be assessed.

A Pain and Coordination Plan for Reduced Opioid Use After Accidental Injuries

This clinical trial aims to lower the number of people who use opioids and improve the quality of health in patients who have experienced accidental injury by implementing a Pain and Coordination Plan (PAC-plan). The PAC-plan will be given upon discharge from the hospital. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Can the PAC-plan reduce opioid use in patients after accidental injuries? * Can the PAC-plan increase quality of life in patients after accidental injuries? * Is implementation of the PAC-plan after accidental injuries cost-effective? Participants will be randomly assigned to the PAC-plan or usual care. The PAC-plan includes: * an opioid management plan upon discharge from the hospital * an appointment with his/her general practitioner within 2-4 weeks after discharge * the general practitioner will be given the opportunity for increased collaboration with the hospital specialists Participants in both groups will be asked to answer questionnaires about their health at discharge, and at 6 and 52 weeks after discharge from the hospital. In addition, the researchers will use data from the Norwegian Prescription Database to measure use of opioids and other relevant drugs, the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR) and the Norwegian Registry for Primary Health Care (KPR) for the use of health care services and Statistics Norway for data on sick leave and other social security benefits.

Comparison of Pain Relief Methods for Hip Surgery: A Study on Two Different Nerve Block Techniques

This prospective randomized comparative study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) and lumbar erector spinae plane block (L-ESP) groups to relieve postoperative pain in participants over the age of 18 undergoing total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia. The main question it aims to answer is: To demonstrate whether PENG block or L-ESP block is more effective in postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty surgery based on pain scores, opioid consumption, and patient satisfaction. Total hip arthroplasties cause severe pain with movement in the postoperative period. After surgery, the movements of the participants are severely restricted, which increases the possibility of complications. In this study, the participants' pain status, VAS score, opioid consumption through patient-controlled analgesia, and patient satisfaction will be measured with a questionnaire for 24 hours at predetermined time points and then compared. Both types of blocks have pain-relieving effects. This study will only investigate which one is more effective in reducing pain, and there will be no deficiency in relieving the pain of the participants.

Promoting Sleep to Alleviate Pain - Arthroplasty

PROSAP-A is a perioperative randomized, controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up period after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA), aiming to investigate both acute and long-term postoperative effects of preoperative sleep-promotion. Participants with clinically significant insomnia symptoms will be randomized to a brief, hybrid version of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or sleep education therapy, administered over a 4-week period, prior to surgery. The primary objective is to evaluate effects of preoperative sleep-promotion on acute postoperative pain control. Secondary objectives include evaluation of postoperative sleep, recovery, mental health, cognitive function and alterations in blood biomarkers.

Opioid-free Anaesthesia in Breast Cancer Surgery

Background: Various analgesic modalities are adopted for perioperative analgesia in breast cancer surgeries. Opioid-free and opioid-sparing techniques are gaining popularity due to the lack of opioid-dependent undesirable effects, including respiratory depression, urinary retention, nausea and vomiting, constipation, itching, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance, addiction, and immune system disorders. The goal of this prospective randomized clinical trial is to investigate the impact of opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) versus conventional general anaesthesia (CGA) on postoperative analgesic requirements after breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy/mastectomy, with or without axillary lymph node excision). Secondary objectives include comparative perioperative evaluation of cognitive function and postoperative adverse events during the first 48 hours atfter surgery. Comparative evaluation of intraoperative haemodynamics and hospital length of stay are also secondary objectives, as well as the incidence of neuropathic pain assessed by validated questionnaires at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. During the preoperative screening, body measurements, age, gender, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status classification, educational level (using a 6-level scale: elementary, middle school, high school, higher education, higher education, and postgraduate/doctoral degree), home medication, and comorbidities (using the Charlson Comorbidity Index) are recorded. Intraoperatively, the duration of anaesthesia, duration of surgery, associated intraoperative data (e.g., haemodynamic instability, adverse effects associated with protocol-administered pharmaceutical agents, etc.), and medications administered (type and quantity) are recorded. The investigators expect to recruit at least 100 participants per group.

Fascial Plane Blocks and Quality of Recovery in Cardiac Surgery

In this randomized trial, the investigators will test the hypothesis that combining regional analgesia techniques-which have the potential to improve the quality of postoperative recovery following median sternotomy-with PIFB will accelerate recovery. Additionally, it is anticipated that RIFB, an alternative fascial plane block, will demonstrate non-inferior (at least as effective as) performance compared to RSB, thereby providing flexibility and ease of application in clinical practice.

Efficacy of Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block in Cardiac Device Implantation

This randomized controlled clinical trial investigates the efficacy of the serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) in patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. Participants will be randomized to receive either SPSIP block with local anesthetic or a sham procedure with saline injection. Pain intensity will be evaluated intraoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include sleep quality at 24 hours assessed with the Sleep Quality Numeric Rating Scale (SQ-NRS), and patient and clinician satisfaction assessed with a 5-point Likert scale. The study is designed as prospective, double-blind, and parallel-group, aiming to improve perioperative pain management in CIED procedures.

The Effect of Zolpidem on Outcomes Following Lumbar Spine Fusion

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if peri-operative zolpidem for posterior lumbar spinal fusion improves patient reported outcomes following surgery.

Comparison of Serratus Plane Block and Rhomboid Intercostal Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Breast Reduction Surgery

This prospective, randomized clinical study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy of serratus plane block (SPB) and rhomboid intercostal plane block (RIPB) for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective bilateral breast reduction surgery under general anesthesia. All patients will receive standardized general anesthesia. Before induction of anesthesia, while patients are awake, Group SPB will receive an ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block and Group RIPB will receive an ultrasound-guided rhomboid intercostal plane block. Postoperative analgesia will be maintained with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with opioids. Primary outcomes include postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Secondary outcomes include time to first analgesic demand, patient satisfaction, and block-related complications.

Opioid-Free Orthopaedics

The goal of this investigation is to compare effectiveness of this multimodal regimen at controlling postoperative pain with and without the use of opioid medications.

Opioid Sparing Effect of an ISP Nerve Block on Post-Op Pain Control in Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Participants who have a surgical procedure called Posterior Cervical (neck) Spine Surgery will normally need pain medication to relieve post operative pain. This usually includes opioid medications. In this study, the consented participant may receive a nerve block procedure, in addition to the pain relieving medication. There is a fifty-fifty chance to receive the nerve block. The goal is to see if the nerve block group needs less opioid medication, has lower pain scores and is discharged from the hospital sooner.

Lumbar Steroid Use in Patients Undergoing Posterior Lumbar Decompression

This study seeks to evaluate the impact of intra-operative topical epidural steroid usage in patients undergoing 1-2 level lumbar laminectomy. The study will examine post-operative opioid usage, length of stay, return to work, and patient reported outcomes following these procedures.