Clinical Research Directory

Utility of CYP2D6 Genotyping to Improve the Efficacy and Safety of Tramadol

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the utility of CYP2D6 genotyping to improve the efficacy and safety of tramadol in the treatment of acute postoperative pain. Phase IV and low-intervention trial To evaluate if the implementation of pharmacogenetics in clinical practice can help to improve the treatment of acute pain, increasing efficacy and reducing adverse reactions. The main evaluation variable: This is a simple study, which does not differ from standard clinical practice and therefore we do not expect early ending of the study.

ESP Block for Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Surgeries

Nephrectomy (kidney removal) is one of the most common surgical procedures in urologic practice. Recent advances in laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures have resulted in a significant decrease in open nephrectomies. Most laparoscopic surgeries are performed through 3 to 4 small (1 to 1.5 cm) incisions; however, laparoscopic nephrectomies for cancer include one of the incisions being extended to 7 to 10 cm for kidney removal. Although pain after laparoscopic surgery is somewhat less than that after open surgery, it is still significant, and opioid consumption is similar. Opioids have been a mainstay for the treatment of post-operative pain, but they are associated with many adverse effects and a potential for long-term use. Thus, combining opioid analgesia with other forms of analgesia has the potential to reduce opioid use. Paravertebral nerve blocks, where local anesthetic is injected near the spinal nerves, have recently shown good pain control in patients undergoing thoracic and abdominal surgeries. However, this technique is technically challenging, time consuming, and has the risk of significant side effects. Fascial plane blocks are an alternative to paravertebral blocks. Fascial plane blocks, where local anesthetic is injected in areas further away from the spinal nerves, are easier to perform than paravertebral blocks, and have fewer associated risks. A recently described fascial plane block, the Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block, has been shown to be effective in controlling pain in a variety of surgeries. However, currently, there is little information regarding its use in laparoscopic nephrectomy. We are proposing this pilot randomized control trial to look at the feasibility of completing a larger randomized control trial to evaluate ESP blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy for cancer. We will also investigate total opioid consumption, and pain scores at rest and during movement.

Online Psychology Program for Chronic Pain After Surgery

This project will evaluate the feasibility of a new fully self-guided online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program entitled Advancing Online Psychology Tools for the Transitional Pain Service (ADOPT-TPS), developed on an online health application platform called Manage My Pain (MMP). The ACT program is designed to teach mindfulness skills and provide psychoeducation about post-surgical pain. The feasibility of the self-guided online program will be compared to a pre-existing psychologist-guided workshop that delivers the same program. It is anticipated that the self-guided online ACT program will be deemed feasible by participants.

Personalized Post-Operative Pain Management

The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does perioperative PGx personalized opiate therapy reduce persistent post-operative opioid use dependency, improve pain management and reduce opiate related adverse events in opioid naïve patients after surgery? Participants will: Take hydromorphone if the PGx results determine they have a SNP indicating high or low metabolic activity in the CYP2D6 enzyme. Complete a 7-day pain diary post-discharge. Complete a follow-up phone call once per month for 90 days.