Freezing nerves to fight pain after lung surgery: a new hope?

NCT ID NCT05348447

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a technique called intercostal nerve cryotherapy, where doctors freeze nerves between the ribs during minimally invasive lung surgery to control pain afterward. About 110 adults having lung nodule removal will be randomly assigned to receive either the freezing treatment or standard pain control. The main goals are to see if cryotherapy reduces the amount of morphine needed and lowers pain scores.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Intercostal nerve cryotherapy (freezing nerves between ribs using a device)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new way to manage post-surgical pain with less need for strong painkillers like morphine.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial (110 people) testing a procedure, not a drug. The freezing may not reduce pain enough to change standard care, and there could be side effects like nerve damage or prolonged numbness.

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.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • AHN Allegheny General Hospital

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15212, United States