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.
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 NASOGASTRIC TUBE INTUBATION are added.
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
-
UPMC Shadyside Hospital
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Gut instinct: listening to bowel sounds may reveal hidden clues about surgical recovery
- Coffee after surgery: a simple sip to speed bowel recovery?
- Morning espresso may Kick-Start digestion after pancreatic surgery
- New pain combo aims to get bowels moving faster after surgery
- Could a common gut drug help you heal faster after surgery?
- Less fluid during C-Section may reduce nausea and speed recovery