Using Ketorolac to improve recovery after palatoplasty for cleft lip and palate

Ketorolac in Palatoplasty: A Randomized Blinded Controlled Trial.

Phase 4 Interventional The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT04771156

This study tests if giving Ketorolac along with regular pain relief can help patients recover better and eat more easily after surgery for cleft lip and palate.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment74 (estimated)
Ages6 Months and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04771156 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of intravenous Ketorolac as an addition to standard multi-modal pain management in patients undergoing palatoplasty for cleft lip and palate. The goal is to determine if this intervention can enhance oral intake following surgery compared to usual care alone. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Ketorolac or a placebo, allowing for a controlled comparison of outcomes. The study focuses on patients with both complete and incomplete cleft palates, with or without associated cleft lip.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with cleft palate, either complete or incomplete, who are scheduled for palatoplasty.

Not a fit: Patients with syndromic cleft palate, previous palatoplasty, or significant medical history that contraindicates NSAID use may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved recovery and oral intake for patients undergoing palatoplasty.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the use of NSAIDs in post-operative pain management, showing promising results, but this specific application of Ketorolac in palatoplasty is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

-Patient with Cleft palate (Complete and incomplete), with or without cleft lip, unilateral or bilateral

Exclusion Criteria:

* Syndromic Cleft Palate patients
* Previous palatoplasty
* Major unrepaired cardiac malformation
* History of GI complications (GI Bleed, Gastric Ulceration)
* History of Renal disorder
* History of coagulopathy (As contraindication to NSAID use)
* Feeding tube dependency
* Patients whose parents refuse to consent to randomization

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Cleft Lip and Palate
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.