Using ketamine to reduce postoperative pain after bariatric surgery

Efficacy of Preventive Ketamine on Postoperative Pain: A Randomized, Double-blind Trial of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Phase 4 Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT04908579

This study tests whether giving ketamine along with a pain medication can help people feel less pain after having weight loss surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT04908579 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of preventive ketamine administration in combination with bupivacaine for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The approach involves administering bupivacaine intraperitoneally along with ketamine either intraperitoneally or intravenously to optimize analgesia and improve patient comfort. The study aims to assess the impact of these interventions on postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting, leveraging ketamine's established analgesic properties.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 to 60 with a body mass index between 35 and 60 who have well-controlled comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with a BMI over 60, severe systemic diseases, or those on certain psychiatric medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance pain management and recovery for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with ketamine in pain management, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \- Body mass index \> 35 and \< 60 kg/m2
* Either medically free or with well controlled hypertension and/or diabetes.

Exclusion Criteria:

* \- Patient's refusal to participate in the study
* BMI \> 60 kg/m2.
* Age less than 21 years.
* Patients with severe systemic disease which is not life-threatening.
* Patients on antipsychotics, antidepressants and/or corticosteroids.
* Patients with history of obstructive sleep apnea.
* Allergic reaction to any of the study medications.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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 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.