Can a single injection ease pain and help swallowing after robotic throat surgery?

NCT ID NCT05862792

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether injecting a long-lasting local anesthetic called EXPAREL (liposomal bupivacaine) into the surgical wound can improve pain control and swallowing function in 80 adults undergoing robotic surgery for throat cancer. Participants will be compared to those who do not receive the injection. The goal is to see if this approach reduces pain and opioid use while helping patients swallow better 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

liposomal bupivacaine (EXPAREL)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide better pain relief and faster return to normal swallowing after robotic throat cancer surgery, reducing the need for opioid painkillers.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study (80 people) comparing two standard-care options. The anesthetic may not significantly improve pain or swallowing, and results may not apply to all patients.

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.

Deglutition Disorders oropharyngeal carcinoma oropharynx cancer oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma Pain, Postoperative squamous cell carcinoma

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

  • Geisinger Medical Center

    RECRUITING

    Danville, Pennsylvania, 17821, United States

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