Opioid-free anesthesia for lung surgery

Effect of a Perioperative Opioid Free Anaesthesia-Analgesia (OFA-A) Strategy on Surgical Stress Response and Immunomodulation in Elective VATS Lobectomy for NSCLC Lung Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Study

Phase 4 Interventional University of Crete · NCT05172739

This study is testing whether using an opioid-free anesthesia approach during lung surgery can help patients with non-small cell lung cancer feel less pain and recover better than with traditional opioid-based anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Crete Academic / other
Locations1 site (Heraklion, Crete)
Trial IDNCT05172739 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of an Opioid-Free Anaesthesia-Analgesia (OFA-A) strategy on surgical stress and immune response in patients undergoing elective VATS lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study compares traditional opioid-based anesthesia with an opioid-free approach that utilizes various anesthetic and analgesic agents to minimize immunosuppression and postoperative complications. By focusing on the immune response and inflammatory markers, the trial aims to determine if the OFA-A strategy can lead to better outcomes in terms of pain management and reduced risk of infections. Participants will be monitored for postoperative pain, systemic inflammatory response, and overall recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for elective VATS lobectomy with early-stage NSCLC.

Not a fit: Patients who are immunocompromised or have significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and the risk of infections in patients undergoing lung surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While opioid-free anesthesia strategies are gaining interest, this specific approach in the context of lung surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients undergoing elective VATS lobectomy
* early stage NSCLC (up to T3N1M0)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Immunocompromised patients
* previous lung surgery
* preoperative corticosteroid or immunosuppressive drug use
* uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus
* cardiac failure (NYHA 3 and 4)
* preoperative infection (CRP \>5mg/ml, WBC \>10x10\^9/L)
* preoperative anemia (Hb\<12g/dl)
* chronic inflammatory diseases
* inflammatory bowel disease

Group-specific exclusion criteria:

* OFA-Α: perioperative opioid administration, within the study period
* OBA-Α: perioperative dexmedetomidine or lidocaine infusion, ketamine, gabapentinoid or corticosteroid administration within the study period

Where this trial is running

Heraklion, Crete

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 Systemic Inflammatory Response SyndromePostoperative Pain, AcutePostoperative Pain, ChronicInfections PostoperativeOpioid UseAnesthesiaNon-small Cell Lung CancerOpioid-free Anesthesia-Analgesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.