Impact of patient choice on opioid use during surgery and recovery quality

Patient Preference for Intraoperative Opioid Use and Early Recovery Following Non-Cardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Randomized Factorial Design Trial of Opioid-Free vs Opioid-Based Anesthesia (PERFECT TRIAL)

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06855641

This study is testing whether letting patients choose between traditional opioid pain relief and opioid-free options during surgery can improve their recovery experience.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06855641 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how patient preferences regarding opioid use during surgery affect their early postoperative recovery quality. It compares traditional opioid-based anesthesia with opioid-free anesthesia, which utilizes alternative analgesics to minimize opioid exposure. The research aims to empower patients through shared decision-making about their pain management options, potentially improving recovery outcomes. By focusing on moderate risk laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, the study seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding opioid addiction and its side effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 undergoing elective intermediate risk surgeries under general anesthesia who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain, those on preoperative opioids, or individuals with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance postoperative recovery experiences and reduce opioid-related complications for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of opioid-free anesthesia is gaining traction, this specific evaluation of patient preference in relation to opioid use is novel and has not been extensively studied.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>18 years.
* Undergoing elective intermediate risk surgery under general anesthesia (robotic or laparoscopic assisted urological, gynecological or abdominal surgery).
* American Society Anesthesiologists physical status classification system grades of I-IV.
* English speaking.
* Informed consent signed.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of chronic pain
* Preoperative prescribed opioids
* Pregnancy or lactation.
* History of mental disorders.
* Contraindications to study drug (lidocaine, magnesium, dexmedetomidine, ketamine)
* Patient is participating in another interventional trial
* Patient is under judicial protection or is an adult under guardianship.

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 1 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 Opioid AnalgesiaQuality of RecoveryOutcome AssessmentOpioid Free Anesthesiaopioidsquality of recoveryanalgesiamoderate risk surgery
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.