Could a single pill before surgery cut opioid use after kidney stone treatment?

NCT ID NCT04122196

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

Summary

This study tested whether giving a single dose of pregabalin (Lyrica) before ureteroscopy—a surgery for kidney stones that often leaves a temporary stent in the ureter—can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers afterward. 118 adults were randomly assigned to receive either pregabalin or a placebo about an hour before surgery. Researchers then measured pain scores and how much opioid medication patients used during recovery. The goal is to find a safer, non-narcotic way to manage post-surgery discomfort.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

pregabalin (Lyrica)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple way to reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers after kidney stone surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed Phase 2/3 trial. The benefit may be modest, and pregabalin can cause side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.

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.

Behavior, Addictive Kidney Calculi nephrolithiasis opiate dependence opioid abuse Pain, Postoperative urolithiasis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Missouri-Columbia

    Columbia, Missouri, 65212, United States