Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Opioid-free care for patients undergoing obesity surgery

Official title: Effects of an Opioid Sparing Care Pathway for Patients Undergoing Obesity Surgery

Run by Göteborg University · NCT03756961 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if an opioid-free way to manage pain can help people recovering from obesity surgery feel better and heal faster compared to using traditional opioid medications.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment220 (estimated)
SponsorGöteborg University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Lindesberg, Region Örebro and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 1, 2019
Main results expectedMay 31, 2028
Study endsDecember 31, 2029
Registry record updatedJanuary 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT03756961 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for laparoscopic obesity surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with serious comorbidities, psychiatric disorders, or those currently using opioids for chronic pain may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of an opioid-free care pathway compared to traditional opioid-based treatment for pain relief in patients undergoing obesity surgery. It aims to assess pain management, recovery quality, and opioid consumption through a randomized, non-blinded, multi-centre approach. The study will utilize various interventions, including dexmedetomidine and person-centred care, to explore their impact on postoperative outcomes. The research is approved by relevant authorities and spans from November 2018 to December 2022.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery and reduced reliance on opioids for pain management in obesity surgery patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with opioid-sparing strategies, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

-Patients ≥18 years planned to undergo laparoscopic obesity surgery (GBP alt Sleeve surgery) at the selected site.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA\> III
* Cardiovascular disease with bradycardia (\<50 bpm)
* Serious liver disease failure
* Insufficient knowledge of the Swedish language
* Serious untreated psychiatric disease
* Neurocognitive dysfunction
* Pregnancy
* Women of childbearing age without contraception
* Malignant disease with expected short survival
* Patients treated with opioids for chronic pain
* Substance abuse
* Hypersensitivity to Oxycodone, Esketamine, Dexmedetomidine, and Lidocaine
* Pacemaker or ICD
* Inability to fill in questionnaires
* Decline participation,

Where it's running

  • Lindesberg Hospital
    Lindesberg, Region Örebro, Sweden
    Recruiting
  • Sahlgrenska University hospital/ Östra hopsital
    Gothenburg, Vg, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Sven-Egron Thörn, MD, PhD — Göteborg University
  • Study coordinator: Axel Wolf, RN, PhD
  • Email: axel.wolf@gu.se
  • Phone: +46709355364

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.