Could a cheap numbing drug cut opioid use after surgery?

NCT ID NCT07224711

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether giving the numbing drug lidocaine through an IV during and after major non-cardiac surgery can help patients recover faster and use fewer opioids. About 2,290 adults having elective surgery will be randomly assigned to receive lidocaine or a placebo. Researchers will measure how long patients stay in the hospital, how much pain medicine they need, and their pain levels.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: lidocaine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to speed recovery and reduce opioid use after major surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a single-center trial, and lidocaine may cause side effects like blurred vision or sedation. The benefit may be small or not apply to all surgeries.

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.

Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OPIOID CONSUMPTION, POSTOPERATIVE PAIN POST OPERATIVE ANALGESIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

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