Comparing recovery after different anesthesia techniques in surgery

Trajectories of Recovery After Intravenous Propofol Versus Inhaled VolatilE Anesthesia Trial

Not applicable Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05991453

This study is testing whether recovery is better after surgery using either intravenous propofol or inhaled anesthesia for different types of surgeries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment13000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations20 sites (Little Rock, Arkansas and 19 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05991453 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial will involve 12,500 patients to compare recovery experiences between two anesthesia techniques: intravenous propofol and inhaled volatile agents. It aims to assess which method provides better outcomes across three types of surgeries: major inpatient, minor inpatient, and outpatient. Additionally, the study will evaluate the risk of intraoperative awareness associated with each technique. The research will be conducted across multiple centers to ensure a diverse patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgeries lasting at least 60 minutes requiring general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, unable to provide informed consent, or have contraindications to the anesthesia techniques will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery experiences for patients undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies comparing anesthesia techniques have shown varying results, but this large-scale trial aims to provide more definitive conclusions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

Each patient must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Aged 18 years or older
2. Undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery expected to last ≥ 60 min requiring general anesthesia with a tracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway (or similar supra-glottic device)

Exclusion Criteria

Patients will not be enrolled if any of the following criteria are met:

1. Inability to provide informed consent in English (at all study sites) or Spanish (at sites where Spanish consent is provided as an option)
2. Pregnancy (based on patient report or positive test on the day of surgery)
3. Surgical procedure requiring general, regional, neuraxial anesthesia administered by an anesthesia clinician (anesthesiologist, CRNA, anesthesiology assistant) occurring within 30 days prior to or planned to occur within 30 days after surgery date
4. Contraindication to propofol TIVA or INVA (for example, documented allergy to propofol, history of severe postoperative nausea or vomiting, concern for or history of malignant hyperthermia) based on self-report
5. Surgical procedures requiring a specific general anesthesia technique (for example, TIVA required for neuromonitoring).
6. Locally approved, written protocol mandating a particular anesthetic technique
7. History of possible or definite intraoperative awareness during general anesthesia based on patient self-report
8. Planned postoperative intubation
9. Current incarceration

Where this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas and 19 other locations

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 Surgery-ComplicationsAnesthesia ComplicationAnesthesia AwarenessAnesthesiaSurgeryQuality of LifePain, PostoperativeAnesthesia Morbidity
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.