Using dexmedetomidine and ketamine to manage pain after lung surgery

Impact of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine and Their Combination for the Reduction of Postoperative Morphine Requirements After VATS Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal · NCT03596424

This study tests if using a mix of two medications, dexmedetomidine and ketamine, can help reduce the need for morphine after lung surgery and improve pain management for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorCiusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT03596424 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a combined infusion of dexmedetomidine and ketamine during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to reduce postoperative morphine requirements. The research aims to compare the opioid-sparing effects of these two medications, both separately and in combination, to enhance postoperative pain management. By focusing on multimodal analgesia, the study seeks to minimize opioid-related side effects and improve recovery times for patients undergoing elective pulmonary resection. The findings could provide valuable insights into optimizing pain management protocols in surgical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-80 undergoing elective VATS for pulmonary resection with an ASA physical status of I-III.

Not a fit: Patients who are scheduled for regional anesthesia or those with chronic pain requiring high doses of opioids may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce opioid use and its associated side effects for patients recovering from lung surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar multimodal analgesia approaches, indicating potential for effective pain management strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18-80 years old
* American Society of Anesthesiology physical status I-III
* Elective Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for pulmonary resection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients for which a regional anesthesia technique is planned for postoperative analgesia.
* Patients taking beta-blockers preoperatively.
* Patients with chronic pain taking \>60 mg morphine PO daily (or its equivalent).
* Patients taking pregabalin, gabapentin, amitryptillin, nortryptillin and/or duloxetin.
* Documented allergy to ketamine and/or dexmedetomidine.
* Pregnancy
* Inability to give informed consent
* Linguistic barrier.
* Patient refusal

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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 Postoperative PainOpioid Use
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.