Perioperative IV nimodipine for people undergoing open colectomy for bowel cancer
Official title: Perioperative Nimodipine for Intra- and Postoperative Pain Management and Reduction of Anesthetic Requirements in Patients Undergoing Open Colectomy: a Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by University of Ioannina · NCT07048522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether giving intravenous nimodipine around the time of open colectomy can reduce opioid use, lower pain, and speed early bowel recovery for people having surgery for bowel cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Ioannina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pátrai, Achaea) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 19, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07048522 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–75 scheduled for open radical colectomy for bowel cancer with ASA physical status I–III, able to give informed consent, not on daily opioids, and without severe renal insufficiency or bradyarrhythmia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients older than 75, with severe renal failure, significant bradyarrhythmias, or who use daily opioids before surgery are either ineligible or unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective double-blind, randomized controlled trial at a single center comparing perioperative IV nimodipine to isotonic saline in patients having open radical colectomy for bowel cancer. Patients receive the study drug around the time of surgery and are followed for opioid and anesthetic requirements, pain intensity, opioid-related side effects, and early postoperative bowel mobility. Key eligibility includes adults 18–75 years with ASA status I–III who are not on daily opioids and have no severe renal insufficiency or significant bradyarrhythmia. The trial aims to determine whether nimodipine can enhance analgesia and reduce opioid exposure in the immediate postoperative period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, nimodipine could reduce perioperative opioid needs, decrease opioid side effects (like nausea and constipation), improve pain control, and speed early return of bowel function after open colectomy.
How similar studies have gone: Evidence on L-type calcium channel blockers like nimodipine for acute postoperative pain is limited and inconclusive, so this approach is relatively novel in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled for open surgical treatment of bowel cancer at the General Hospital of Patra Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years, \> 75 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status \> III * Allergy to nimodipine * Inability to provide informed consent * Known severe renal insufficiency * Known severe bradyarrhythmia * Daily opioid consumption the last 7 days before surgery * Pain intensity assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; 0-10), with scores greater than 5 reported on more than half of the days during the past month.
Where it's running
-
St. Andrews General Hospital of Patras, GREECE
Pátrai, Achaea, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Petros Tzimas, MD, PhD — University of Ioannina, Greece
- Study coordinator: Maria-Theodora Filou, MD
- Email: marilizafilou@gmail.com
- Phone: 00306948127570
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.