Epidural vs. opioid-sparing pain control after complex ventral hernia repair

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults undergoing open ventral hernia repair with transversus abdominis release are randomly assigned to receive either an epidural analgesia or a non‑opioid analgesia plan with a surgical site injection of numbing medicine. The study tracks pain scores and use of pain medications during the hospital stay and follows up at 30 days to assess recovery and side effects. Rescue IV pain medication is available for uncontrolled pain in both groups. The goal is to determine which method provides better pain control while minimizing opioid use.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients ≥18 years old
* Symptomatic incisional ventral or parastomal hernias
* Planned transversus abdominis release
* Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications to epidural placement
* Chronic pre-operative opioid use, defined as daily opioid use for 30-days prior to surgery
* Allergy or intolerance to study medications
* Age greater than 80 years
* Impaired renal function - defined as creatinine clearance or estimated GFR of \<60ml/min
* Planned ICU admissions with post-operative intubation
* Urgent or emergent presentations
* Adults unable to consent
* Pregnant patients

Where it's running

• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Nancy Ly, MD
• Email: nancy.ly@nm.org
• Phone: 3126956868

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.