New drug combo could make surgery pain relief last days, not hours

This study is testing whether adding a second drug, dexmedetomidine, to a standard pain-relieving nerve block can make the pain relief last longer after shoulder, foot, or ankle surgery. Researchers want to see if this combination can provide pain control for several days, which could help patients use fewer opioid painkillers and avoid their side effects like nausea and constipation. The study will involve 100 adults having these specific surgeries.