Using placebos to manage postoperative pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of two types of Conditioned Open Label Placebos (COLP) - a pill and an odor - in reducing opioid consumption for patients recovering from thoracic and spinal surgeries. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to receive either standard opioid treatment or one of the COLP interventions, where they will pair their opioid intake with a placebo. Participants will track their opioid use, pain levels, side effects, mobility, and sense of agency through an electronic diary over a period of 17 days post-surgery. The goal is to determine if these placebos can enhance pain management and reduce reliance on opioids.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Spinal or thoracic elective surgery for the indications mentioned above
* Able to give informed consent
* Interested in trying COLP as complementary pain management therapy
* Able to fill a e-diary at home

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment (MOCA score \<26)
* Inability to engage in the intervention of the study e.g. inability to communicate in French without a translator, severe hearing impairment without any hearing aid available at the time of intervention, anosmia or intolerance to eugenol.
* Acute psychiatric (e.g. psychotic or suicidal ideation) or somatic (e.g. unstable cardio-respiratory condition) co-morbidity preventing full engagement during intervention
* Opioid use disorder (toxicomania) or contraindication to pain management using opioids (allergy, refusal, ...)
* Intolerance to placebo ingredients

Where it's running

• Centre de Médecine Intégrative et Complémentaire, Service d'anesthésiologie, CHUV,
  Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Chantal Berna Renella, Prof — Centre de Médecine Intégrative et Complémentaire, Lausanne University hospital
• Study coordinator: Aurore Fernandez, PhD
• Email: aurore.fernandez@chuv.ch
• Phone: +41 79 556 66 91‬

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.