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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Geisinger Medical Center
RECRUITINGDanville, Pennsylvania, 17821, United States
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