Giving morphine during CABG to reduce post-surgery pain

The Effect of Intraoperative Morphine Use on Postoperative Pain in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

PHASE4 · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07472959

This tests whether giving morphine during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) reduces pain after surgery for adults having elective CABG.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Outside of the US)
Trial IDNCT07472959 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center Phase 4 trial enrolled adults aged 18–80 with ASA III who were scheduled for elective CABG. Participants were randomized 1:1 using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes to receive intraoperative morphine in addition to routine care or routine care alone, with randomization performed by an independent investigator and a per-protocol analysis plan. Pain at the thoracic tube site, sternum, and saphenous vein graft incision was measured by NRS/VAS at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after extubation. Patients with chronic opioid use, severe organ dysfunction, combined or emergency procedures, poor left ventricular function, or other major exclusions were not enrolled.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18 to 80 years old with ASA III status scheduled for elective CABG who are not chronic opioid users and have adequate liver, kidney, and cardiac function (LVEF ≥ 40%) are the intended candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic opioid use, severe liver or kidney disease, low ejection fraction, combined or emergency cardiac surgeries, need for IABP, prolonged ventilation, or other exclusion criteria are unlikely to benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience lower pain after CABG and may need fewer postoperative opioid doses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of intraoperative opioid strategies have produced mixed results, with some showing modest short-term pain reduction but no consistent long-term advantage.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients aged 18 to 80 years
* classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) III
* who are scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic opioid use.
* Severe liver or kidney disease.
* History of alcohol or substance abuse.
* Left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%.
* Inability to be weaned from mechanical ventilation within 12 hours after completion of surgery.
* Undergoing combined cardiac surgery, including valve procedures.
* Requirement for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support.
* Surgery performed on a beating heart.
* Emergency surgery.
* Reoperation due to bleeding or other complications.
* Refusal to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Outside of the US

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cardiac Surgery Patient, Postoperative Pain, Pain After Surgery, pain, pain management, pain measurement, Cardiac Surgical Procedures, Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.