Could a common numbing drug cut opioid use after liver surgery?

NCT ID NCT05153785

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Lund University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving lidocaine through a vein during and after liver surgery can reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers like opioids. 124 adults having minor liver surgery were randomly assigned to receive either lidocaine or a placebo (salt water). Researchers measured how much opioid pain medication patients used and their pain scores over several days after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Lidocaine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a way to manage pain after liver surgery with fewer opioids, potentially speeding recovery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed Phase 2/3 trial. Lidocaine may not reduce pain or opioid use significantly, and it carries risks like heart or nerve issues in some 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.

liver cancer Liver Neoplasms opioid abuse Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LIVER CANCER LIVER METASTASES OPIOID USE POSTOPERATIVE PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Skåne University Hospital of Lund

Lund, Skåne County, 22185, Sweden

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