Could a single dose of ketamine cut opioid use after hemorrhoidectomy?

NCT ID NCT04248205

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

Summary

This study tests whether giving ketamine during hemorrhoid surgery can reduce the amount of strong pain pills patients need afterward. About 100 adults with severe hemorrhoids will be randomly assigned to receive either ketamine or a placebo during their operation. Researchers will count how many oxycodone pills each patient uses and measure their pain levels over two weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

ketamine

What this could lead to

If it works, this could give doctors a simple way to reduce opioid use after hemorrhoid surgery, lowering the risk of addiction and side effects.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study. Ketamine may not reduce pain or pill use significantly, and it can cause side effects like hallucinations or nausea.

Disclaimer Read more

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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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hemorrhoid Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

    RECRUITING

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States

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