New painkiller may reduce opioid use after skin graft surgery
NCT ID NCT03854344
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a long-acting numbing drug called liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) can reduce pain and opioid use after skin graft harvesting in burn patients. 74 adults with small burns received either Exparel, lidocaine, or a nerve block. Researchers measured pain scores and how much opioid pain medication they needed in the first 72 hours 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 control and reduce opioid use after skin graft surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed Phase 4 study with only 74 participants. Results may not apply to all burn patients, and the pain relief may not be significantly better than standard treatments.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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The University of Kansas Health System
Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States