Ear zap device may slash opioid use after major surgery

NCT ID NCT05506878

First seen Jan 11, 2026 · Last updated May 09, 2026 · Updated 14 times

Summary

This study tests a small, disposable device placed on the ear that stimulates nerves to help manage pain after open abdominal or pelvic surgery. The goal is to see if it reduces the amount of opioid painkillers patients need during their hospital stay. About 286 adults having cancer surgery or a liver transplant will be randomly assigned to use either an active or inactive device for 5 days. The researchers also want to know if the device helps with anxiety and mood, which can affect pain levels.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • UPMC Montefiore Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Magee-Womens Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Passavant Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15237, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Shadyside Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Conditions

Explore the condition pages connected to this study.