Which drug cuts opioid use after bariatric surgery? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT06738043
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests two different drugs—dexmedetomidine and low-dose ketamine—given during weight-loss surgery to see which one reduces pain and the need for morphine afterward. Ninety adults having bariatric surgery will be randomly assigned to one of the two drugs or a placebo. The goal is to find a safer, more effective way to manage pain without relying on opioids.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dexmedetomidine and ketamine (given as infusions during surgery)
- What this could lead to
- If one drug works better, it could offer a safer way to manage pain after weight-loss surgery, reducing the need for strong opioids.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial (90 people) comparing two drugs already in use. It may not show a clear winner, and results may not apply to all surgery patients.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can Weight-Loss surgery change how medications work?