Could a simple injection cut Post-Surgery painkiller use?

NCT ID NCT04260854

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether injecting bupivacaine, a common numbing medication, into the surgical site after skin surgery can improve pain control. About 100 adults having skin surgery will receive either bupivacaine or a saline placebo injection. Participants will track their pain medication use for three days after surgery to see if the bupivacaine group needs fewer painkillers.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
bupivacaine hydrochloride
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple way to better manage pain after skin surgery and reduce reliance on opioid painkillers.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase pilot study, so results may not be conclusive. The benefit over standard care may be small or absent.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Northwestern University Department of Dermatology

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

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