Using ketamine to manage pain after hemorrhoid surgery

Intra-operative Use of Ketamine for Post-Operative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Hemorrhoidectomy: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Phase 4 Interventional University of Oklahoma · NCT04248205

This study is testing if using ketamine during hemorrhoid surgery can help reduce pain afterwards for patients with severe hemorrhoids.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Trial IDNCT04248205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of ketamine as a pain management option for patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III or IV hemorrhoids. Approximately 100 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an intraoperative ketamine infusion or standard anesthesia without ketamine. The study will assess post-operative pain levels using numeric rating scales and follow-up evaluations at two weeks post-surgery. All participants will receive standardized post-operative care and pain management instructions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-100 who are scheduled for a hemorrhoidectomy due to Grade III or IV hemorrhoids.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo general anesthesia or have contraindications to hemorrhoidectomy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve post-operative pain management for patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with ketamine for pain management in various surgical settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18-100
* Undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III or IV hemorrhoids.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to undergo general anesthesia
* Contraindications to hemorrhoidectomy
* History of schizophrenia or other hallucinatory psychiatric illnesses
* History of psychosis
* Chronic narcotic usage defined as either having a pain contract with a pain management specialist and no narcotic usage for one month prior to hemorrhoidectomy.

Where this trial is running

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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 Hemorrhoidshemorrhoidectomyketaminepost operative pain
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.