Managing pain after cesarean deliveries

Double Blind Randomized Trial of Post-operative Cesarean Continuous Infusion of Bupivacaine Versus Placebo for Local Incisional Pain Control

NA · University of Colorado, Denver · NCT05131178

This study is testing if a special pain relief device can help women feel less pain and use fewer opioids after having a cesarean delivery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver (other)
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT05131178 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates pain management strategies following cesarean deliveries by comparing the effectiveness of an FDA-approved device, the ON-Q Pump, which delivers local anesthetic bupivacaine, against a saline placebo. The research is conducted at the Colorado Fetal Care Center, which adheres to Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean (ERAC) guidelines to optimize postoperative care. The primary goal is to assess whether the use of the ON-Q Pump contributes to reduced opioid consumption in patients recovering from C-sections.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include pregnant patients aged 18 and older who are undergoing scheduled or unscheduled cesarean deliveries.

Not a fit: Patients with active substance abuse issues or those currently receiving treatment for chronic pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management techniques that minimize opioid use after cesarean deliveries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in reducing opioid use through similar pain management approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant patients 18 years of age or older
* Patients undergoing both scheduled and unscheduled cesarean deliveries at CFCC

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active substance abuse (ex methamphetamines) determined by patient report, toxin screen, or screening physician's determination
* Current treatment for chronic pain involving opiate receptor agonism or antagonism (i.e. suboxone, methadone, naltrexone, oxycodone)
* Contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia
* Known allergies to common anesthetic medications
* Inability to consent to study procedures
* Patient receiving general anesthesia

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

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: Post-operative Pain, Cesarean Section

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.