Opioid-free anesthesia for bowel recovery after colorectal surgery

A Randomized Control Trial Evaluating the Utility of Multimodal Opioid-free Anesthesia on Return of Bowel Function in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Phase 3 Interventional University of Saskatchewan · NCT04144933

This study tests if using an opioid-free anesthesia during colorectal surgery can help patients recover faster and use less pain medication afterward.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Saskatchewan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
Trial IDNCT04144933 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effects of an opioid-free general anesthetic technique using medications like lidocaine, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and magnesium on patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The study aims to compare this approach with traditional opioid-containing anesthesia to see if it reduces postoperative opioid use and accelerates the return of bowel function. By focusing on multimodal analgesia, the trial seeks to enhance recovery outcomes for patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old, classified as ASA class I-III, scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those undergoing emergency or open surgeries, or those with significant comorbidities or contraindications to the study medications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve recovery times for patients after colorectal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with opioid-free anesthesia techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class I-III patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic/laparoscopic assisted colorectal surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency surgery, open surgery, contraindications to laparoscopic surgery (ie. adhesions, inability to tolerate pneumoperitoneum), American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 4, age \< 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, significant cardiorespiratory/hepatic/renal disease, allergy to any study drugs, inability to consent, inability to respond to pain assessments, inability to use the patient controlled analgesia device (PCA)

Where this trial is running

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

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 AnesthesiaGeneral AnesthesiaAnalgesics, OpioidOpioid Free AnesthesiaPostoperative IleusColorectal SurgeryLaparoscopic SurgeryAnalgesia
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.