Zapping the vagus nerve may help patients ditch the stomach tube faster

NCT ID NCT06648759

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a vagal nerve stimulator device to see if it can reduce how long patients need a nasogastric (NG) tube after abdominal surgery. The NG tube is used to relieve pressure from a common complication called postoperative ileus, but it can cause pain and discomfort. Sixty adults undergoing colorectal or other major abdominal surgery at UPMC Shadyside will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham stimulation, and researchers will measure the total time the NG tube is in place.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Vagal nerve stimulator device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to shorten the time patients need a nasogastric tube after abdominal surgery, reducing pain and hospital stays.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device may not work better than a placebo, and some patients may not benefit.

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.

paralytic ileus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • UPMC Shadyside Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States

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

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••