Comparing intrathecal morphine and continuous wound infiltration for pain relief after pancreatic surgery

Effect of Single-Shot Intrathecal Morphine Injection Versus Continuous Wound Infiltration on Postoperative Pain After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: a Prospective, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled, Non-Inferiority Trial

Not applicable Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT06761989

This study is testing whether a single injection of morphine into the spine can help manage pain better than a continuous pain relief method after pancreatic surgery for adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment104 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul, Seoul)
Trial IDNCT06761989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial is a prospective randomized open-label noninferiority comparison of intrathecal morphine injection versus continuous wound infiltration for pain management following open pancreaticoduodenectomy. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these two analgesic methods, particularly focusing on their ability to manage severe postoperative pain resulting from the surgical procedure. Intrathecal morphine is hypothesized to provide potent, long-lasting pain relief with a single injection, while continuous wound infiltration requires catheter placement and may not effectively address visceral pain. The trial will enroll adults scheduled for elective pancreatic surgery and assess their pain management outcomes postoperatively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 and older scheduled for elective open pancreaticoduodenectomy with a performance status of 0 or 1.

Not a fit: Patients with hypersensitivity to pain control medications or those with cognitive impairments affecting their ability to use pain management devices may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and convenient pain management option for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that intrathecal morphine can provide effective analgesia, but this specific comparison with continuous wound infiltration has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults 19 years of age or older
* Scheduled for elective open pancreaticoduodenectomy or pylorus preseriving pancreaticoduodenectomy
* Disease of periampullary lesions
* Perfromance status assessed with ECOG score is 0 or 1 at the time of enrollment
* Able to provide written informed consent to participate in the study, understand the procedures of this study, and complete patient-reported questionnaires
* American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hypersensitivity to medications used for pain control (fentanyl, ropivacaine, morphine, acetaminophen, NSAIDs)
* Cognitive impairment that affects using patient-controlled analgesia device or answering patient-reported questionnaires
* Infection or anatomical abnormalities of the abdominal wall and skin that preclude catheterization for continuous wound infiltration
* Contraindicated for intrathecal injection due to any coagulation disorder or continued use of anticoagulants
* Have a major medical or psychiatric illness that would affect response to treatment
* History of chronic pain, or chronic use of analgesics or psychiatric medications
* Have severe liver or kidney disease
* Anyone who are not appropriate for the study in the opinion of the investigators

Where this trial is running

Seoul, Seoul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pain ManagementPain, Postoperative
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.