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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DIGESTIVE SYSTEM SURGICAL PROCEDURES are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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

Locations

  • CHD Vendée

    RECRUITING

    La Roche-sur-Yon, France

  • CHRU Brest La Cavale Blanche

    RECRUITING

    Brest, France

  • CHU Nantes Hôtel Dieu

    RECRUITING

    Nantes, France

  • Hôpital Louis Mourier from Ap-HP

    RECRUITING

    Colombes, 92700, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.