New anesthesia combo could slash opioid use after hernia surgery

NCT ID NCT05953428

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Endeavor Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested whether a special anesthesia plan using dexmedetomidine and ketamine could reduce the need for opioid painkillers after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. Fifty adults having elective surgery were randomly assigned to receive either the opioid-sparing protocol or standard opioid-based anesthesia. The goal was to see if the new approach lowers opioid use at discharge and during recovery, while also tracking pain scores, nausea, and hospital costs.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Opioid Sparing Anesthesia Protocol (dexmedetomidine and ketamine)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a way to manage pain after hiatal hernia surgery with fewer opioids, reducing the risk of addiction and side effects.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The non-opioid drugs also have their own side effects.

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.

hiatus hernia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HIATAL HERNIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Endeavor Health

Evanston, Illinois, 60201, United States

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