Can a common numbing drug speed up bariatric surgery recovery?

NCT ID NCT03211455

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

Summary

This study tested whether giving lidocaine through a vein during weight-loss surgery helps patients recover faster and need less strong pain medicine. 180 adults scheduled for bariatric surgery received either lidocaine or a placebo (salt water). Researchers measured how much painkiller they used and how quickly they were ready to leave the hospital.

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 reduce pain and opioid use after weight-loss surgery, helping patients recover faster.

What could go wrong

The trial is completed but results are not yet widely confirmed. Lidocaine may not work better than placebo, and there are risks like side effects from the drug.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for BARIATRIC SURGERY CANDIDATE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

morbid obesity

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Hospital of Caen

    Caen, 14033, France