Diet before surgery may cut pain and opioid use, new trial hopes to prove

NCT ID NCT04219956

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether eating a diet very low in polyamines (natural compounds found in many foods) for a week before and after major abdominal surgery can lower pain levels. Researchers will compare pain scores and painkiller use in 278 adults who either follow the special diet or eat normally. The goal is to see if this simple dietary change can reduce the need for strong pain medications like morphine.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

polyamine-deficient diet

What this could lead to

If it works, this diet could offer a simple, drug-free way to reduce pain and opioid use after major abdominal surgery.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage trial with no prior proof that a low-polyamine diet affects pain. The diet is restrictive and may be hard to follow. Results may not apply to other surgeries.

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.

allergic disease gastroschisis Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • CHD Vendée

    RECRUITING

    La Roche-sur-Yon, France

    Contact

  • CHRU Brest La Cavale Blanche

    RECRUITING

    Brest, France

    Contact

  • CHU Nantes Hôtel Dieu

    RECRUITING

    Nantes, France

    Contact

    Contact

  • Hôpital Louis Mourier from Ap-HP

    RECRUITING

    Colombes, 92700, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••