Comparing two pain control methods after robotic sleeve gastrectomy

Zynrelef vs Exparel: The Battle of Postoperative Pain Control After Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Early Phase 1 Interventional Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · NCT06349772

This study is testing whether a new pain control method called Zynrelef works better than Exparel for managing pain after robotic sleeve gastrectomy surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lubbock, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06349772 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Zynrelef, a combination of bupivacaine and meloxicam, versus Exparel, an injectable liposomal bupivacaine, for managing postoperative pain following robotic sleeve gastrectomy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Zynrelef or Exparel at the closure site of their surgery. The study will assess pain levels using a numerical rating scale for up to 72 hours post-surgery, along with tracking total opioid use. The goal is to determine which method provides better pain control and to analyze the associated costs of the medications used.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 scheduled for robotic sleeve gastrectomy who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of substance abuse, ongoing narcotic use, or contraindications to the study drugs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative pain management strategies for patients undergoing robotic sleeve gastrectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using extended local anesthesia for postoperative pain control, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age range: 18-65 years old
2. Scheduled or being scheduled to undergo robotic sleeve gastrectomy by Dr. Goyal.
3. Is able to provide written informed consent.
4. Is able to adhere to the study visit schedule and complete all study assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Positive urine drug screen prior to surgery
2. History of substance abuse in the past year-by self report
3. Patient with ongoing daily narcotic use at the time of surgery-by self report
4. Inability to understand informed consent or read English/Spanish
5. Pregnant or lactating patients
6. Prisoners
7. Patients with renal or hepatic failure
8. Bupivacaine use within 96 hours of operation
9. Patient intolerant of opiates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug s, acetaminophen, or Zynrelef and Exparel. Subjects in all cohorts must not have any contraindications to any of the protocol-specified drugs
10. Patient with a history of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients

Where this trial is running

Lubbock, Texas

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 Post Operative Painrobotic surgerysleeve gastrectomyzynrelefexparel
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.