Using Liposomal Bupivacaine to Manage Pain After Robotic Surgery for Throat Cancer
Impact of Liposomal Bupivacaine on Post-operative Pain, Opioid Use, and Swallow Function in Transoral Robotic Surgery
This study is testing whether a special pain medication can help adults with throat cancer feel less pain and swallow better after robotic surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Geisinger Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Danville, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05862792 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a local anesthetic called EXPAREL® (Liposomal Bupivacaine) in managing postoperative pain and improving swallow function. By comparing outcomes between patients who receive the EXPAREL® injection and those who do not, the study seeks to optimize pain control strategies in this surgical context. Participants must be adults who can provide consent and are undergoing TORS for their condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled to undergo transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
Not a fit: Patients with allergies to Bupivacaine or other amide anesthetics, or those with a carnitine deficiency, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management and swallowing function for patients recovering from throat cancer surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches to pain management using local anesthetics in surgical settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients, greater than or equal to 18 years of age; Patients of all genders; Patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery; Patient who are able and willing to give consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with an allergy to Bupivacaine or other amide anesthetics; Patients with a carnitine deficiency
Where this trial is running
Danville, Pennsylvania
- Geisinger Medical Center — Danville, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thorsen Haugen, MD
- Email: thaugen@geisinger.edu
- Phone: 570-214-7866
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.