Evaluating a diet low in polyamines to reduce postoperative pain after abdominal surgery

A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Polyamine-deficient Diet for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain After Abdominal Surgery.

Not applicable Interventional Nantes University Hospital · NCT04219956

This study is testing if a special diet low in polyamines can help people having major abdominal surgery feel less pain and need less morphine after their operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment278 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNantes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Brest and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04219956 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine if a polyamine-deficient diet, initiated seven days before and continued for seven days after major abdominal surgery, can reduce postoperative pain and the need for morphine. The research focuses on patients undergoing eventration cure and digestive continuity procedures. By limiting polyamines, which are known to contribute to hypersensitivity and increased pain perception, the study seeks to improve recovery outcomes and reduce analgesic consumption. Participants will be monitored for pain levels and recovery over a follow-up period of seven months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years scheduled for major abdominal surgery requiring postoperative morphine.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing non-painful surgeries or those with chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and reliance on opioids for patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of a polyamine-deficient diet is novel, similar dietary interventions have shown promise in managing postoperative pain in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (\>18 years)
* Indication for a " major " abdominal surgery as second surgical procedure : cure of eventration and restoration of digestive continuity
* Intended Use of a Patient Controlled Morphine Pump (PCA) postoperatively or taking oral opioids
* Possible follow-up during 7 months (post-operative consultation at 1 month and 6 months only if postoperative pain or complications)
* Written informed consent form obtained from the patient
* Affiliated to the social security

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Minor, adult under guardianship or benefiting from a legal protection
* Oncological surgery
* Surgery not painful (cholecystectomy, hernia, thyroidectomy, bariatric surgery)
* Drug addicts patients, or under opiate dependency
* Chronic pain patients (pain over 3 months)
* Patients in nursing home or convalescence home (diet non possible in institution)
* Planned hospitalisation before the intervention (during the 7 days before the surgery)
* Severe undernutrition defined by the HAS criteria (weight loss \> 10% in 1 month and/or \> 15% in 6 months, albumin at inclusion \<15g/l)
* Patient refusing the possibility to change his eating habits
* Oral feeding impossible preoperatively
* Patient not able to express himself on their pain (silent, …)
* Decompensated psychiatric pathologies (severe depression syndrome,…)
* Patient unable to understand the protocol and/or to give his informed consent

Where this trial is running

Brest and 3 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 Digestive System Surgical ProceduresAbdominal surgeryPolyaminePostoperative painMorphineHypersensitivity
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.