Using liposomal bupivacaine in lumbar decompression surgeries

A Double Blinded Randomized Control Trial in Outcomes for Lumbar Decompressions With Use of Liposomal Bupivicaine

Phase 2 Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT04066296

This study is testing if using liposomal bupivacaine during back surgery can help people stay in the hospital for a shorter time and use less pain medication afterward.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT04066296 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of liposomal bupivacaine in lumbar laminectomies, focusing on its impact on hospital stay duration, intravenous narcotic use, post-operative narcotic consumption, visual analog scores for pain, and readmission rates within 30 days. The hypothesis is that liposomal bupivacaine will lead to shorter hospital stays and reduced narcotic usage compared to traditional methods. The study involves adult patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis who do not have contraindications for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with significant co-morbidities, those requiring instrumented fusion, or those with a history of previous lumbar surgery at the indicated level may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce recovery time and narcotic dependency for patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with liposomal bupivacaine in other lumbar spine surgeries, suggesting potential for success in this application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or Female
2. Adult (≥18 yo)
3. Lumbar stenosis

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Co-morbidities precluding surgery
2. ≤18 yo
3. Pregnant
4. Breastfeeding
5. Need for instrumented fusion
6. Prisoners
7. Intra-operative CSF leak (identified by gush of CSF)
8. Daily pre-operative opioid use of \> 25 morphine Eq/day
9. Previous lumbar surgery at indicated level

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

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 Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.