Paracervical numbing injection to reduce opioid use after vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse

Effect of Paracervical Block on Postoperative Opioid Use in Vaginal Hysterectomy for Prolapse: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Phase 4 Interventional University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT07213635

This will try giving a numbing injection around the cervix during vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse to see if it reduces pain and the need for opioid pain medicines afterward.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other
Locations1 site (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT07213635 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, placebo-controlled phase 4 trial compares an intraoperative paracervical block (bupivacaine with lidocaine) to a saline placebo given after the patient is asleep but before the rest of the surgery. Participants will record opioid use and pain scores from the day of surgery through seven days post-op, with pain assessments in the recovery area, at one day, and at seven days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include surgical recovery times and the incidence of adverse events. The trial is conducted at the University of North Carolina Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at REX in Raleigh, NC.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: People scheduled for a vaginal hysterectomy with concurrent prolapse repair who are at least 50 kg, English-speaking, not pregnant, and not allergic to bupivacaine.

Not a fit: Patients who are allergic to bupivacaine, weigh less than 50 kg, are pregnant, undergo a non-vaginal hysterectomy approach, or cannot receive care at the UNC REX site are unlikely to be eligible or benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the injection could lower the amount of opioid medication patients need and reduce postoperative pain after vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse.

How similar studies have performed: Paracervical blocks have been used for other gynecologic procedures with mixed results, so using this block specifically to reduce opioids after vaginal hysterectomy is not yet definitively proven.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with concomitant prolapse repair procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speaking
* Weight less than 50 kg
* Allergy to bupivacaine
* Pregnant

Where this trial is running

Raleigh, North Carolina

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 UseSurgical RecoveryVaginal HysterectomyProlapse PelvicPostoperative Painparacervical blockvaginal hysterectomyprolapse repair
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.