Using ketamine to help prevent chronic pain after surgery

Optimizing the use of ketamine to reduce chronic postsurgical pain

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11092570

This study is looking at how ketamine can help reduce the chances of developing long-lasting pain after breast surgery, by easing immediate pain, anxiety, and depression, to help patients feel better overall after their operation.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092570 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how ketamine can be used after surgery to reduce the risk of developing chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), particularly in patients who have undergone mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. The study aims to understand how ketamine can alleviate acute pain, anxiety, and depression, which are known to contribute to the development of chronic pain. By administering ketamine during the postoperative period, the researchers hope to enhance the body's natural pain control mechanisms and improve patient outcomes. The research is part of a larger initiative focused on effective pain management strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery who are at risk for developing chronic postsurgical pain.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those who do not experience significant postoperative pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic pain in postoperative patients, leading to better long-term pain management and reduced reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for the use of ketamine in reducing postsurgical pain, indicating that this approach has potential based on existing clinical evidence.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.