Ice packs may cut opioid use after Kids' appendix surgery

NCT ID NCT04986397

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether using a cold therapy device on the belly after appendix removal helps control pain in children ages 7 and older. Half the kids got the cold pack plus usual care, the other half got usual care alone. Researchers measured pain scores, morphine use, and hospital stay length to see if the cold pack made a difference.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Cold therapy device (Breg Polar Care Cube)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give children a simple, non-drug way to ease pain after appendix surgery, reducing the need for opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center study with only 52 participants. The results may not apply to all children or hospitals, and cold therapy might not be as effective as standard pain medicines.

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.

appendicitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

APPENDICITIS

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Boston Children's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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