Using Dexamethasone to Enhance Pain Relief After Colorectal Surgery
Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks With and Without Dexamethasone: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery
This study is testing if adding dexamethasone to local pain relief injections can help patients feel less pain after laparoscopic colorectal surgery and reduce the need for opioids.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Saskatchewan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05432934 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of dexamethasone as an adjunct to local anesthetics in transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The goal is to prolong the analgesic effects of the TAP block, which is a regional anesthesia technique that can reduce postoperative pain and opioid use. By comparing the effectiveness of TAP blocks with and without dexamethasone, the study aims to optimize pain management strategies in the perioperative setting. The research focuses on improving recovery outcomes and minimizing opioid-related side effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for elective or urgent laparoscopic colorectal surgery and are classified as ASA class I-III.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those undergoing emergency or open surgeries, those with significant comorbidities, or those who are unable to consent or respond to pain assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved pain management and faster recovery for patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with the use of regional anesthesia techniques like TAP blocks, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though the specific combination with dexamethasone is being explored in this novel context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age \> 18 * ASA class I-III * elective or urgent inpatient laparoscopic/laparoscopic assisted colorectal surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * emergency surgery * open surgery * contraindications to laparoscopic surgery (ie. adhesions, inability to tolerate pneumoperitoneum) * 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) * preoperative chronic opioid use
Where this trial is running
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Royal University Hospital — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David N Ginther, MD — University of Saskatchewan
- Study coordinator: David N Ginther, MD
- Email: n.ginther@usask.ca
- Phone: 306-655-6893
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.