SURGERY

This early study tests a new device that uses nanosecond electric pulses to treat atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) during heart surgery. About 30 adults aged 18-85 with a history of atrial fibrillation will receive the treatment. The goal is to see if the device can s…

This study compares two breast-conserving surgery methods: standard surgery versus adding a systematic shaving step to remove a thin layer around the tumor cavity. The goal is to see if shaving reduces the chance of leftover cancer cells at the surgical margin, which often requir…

This study tests if bariatric (weight-loss) surgery is more effective than standard medical treatment at making nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) disappear without worsening liver scarring. It involves 100 obese adults with advanced liver fibrosis. Participants are randomly ass…

This study aims to find the best treatment before surgery for people with esophageal or stomach cancer. It compares chemotherapy, chemoradiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The goal is to improve survival and reduce side effects. About 2000 adults with stage I to IVa ca…

This study tests if giving two medicines—tranexamic acid and desmopressin—before surgery can reduce bleeding in people with kidney problems. About 100 adults with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury who need noncardiac surgery will take part. The goal is to see if these…

This study is a worldwide registry that will follow 1,000 people who receive a Terumo aortic graft to repair an aneurysm in the chest or abdomen. The goal is to see how well the grafts work and how safe they are over time. Participants will be monitored for complications and surv…

This study tests a method called normothermic machine perfusion, which keeps donated livers working outside the body so doctors can check their quality. The goal is to safely use livers that were previously considered unsuitable, helping 186 adults on the transplant waiting list …

This study tests whether temporarily blocking the blood supply to the uterus and ovaries during minimally invasive fibroid surgery can reduce blood loss. About 120 women with large or numerous fibroids will be randomly assigned to receive the extra vessel-blocking step or standar…

This study looks at whether removing a single sentinel lymph node is better than removing no lymph nodes at all in women with early-stage endometrial cancer. The goal is to see if the less invasive approach helps women return to normal activities faster without increasing the ris…

This study tests whether using a connected scale at home can help people who had bariatric surgery avoid regaining too much weight. About 182 adults who had surgery one year ago will either get standard follow-up or also weigh themselves weekly with a smart scale. If the scale de…

This study compares two surgical techniques for people whose nasopharyngeal cancer has come back after initial treatment. Half the participants will receive a newer, low-temperature plasma ablation, while the other half will receive standard high-frequency electrocautery. The goa…

This study tests a special program called PROADAPT for women aged 70 and older (or 60+ with health issues) who have advanced ovarian cancer and need surgery. The program includes nutrition advice, physical exercises, and education before surgery, plus extra support during the hos…

This study compares two treatments for bleeding after heart surgery: FEIBA (a drug that helps blood clot) versus fresh frozen plasma (standard care). About 140 adults having non-emergency heart surgery will be enrolled. The goal is to see if FEIBA reduces the need for blood trans…

This study compares four different surgical methods for treating pilonidal sinus, a painful skin condition at the tailbone. Researchers will enroll 80 teens aged 12-17 to see which surgery leads to fewer complications and less pain. The goal is to find the most effective treatmen…

This study tests a new technique where doctors gently press on the side of the neck to block the esophagus during mask breathing in children under anesthesia. The goal is to prevent air from entering the stomach, which can cause complications. The study involves 72 children aged …

This study tests whether taking CoQ10 and glutathione before and after heart surgery can prevent acute kidney injury. About 242 adults having elective bypass surgery will receive either the supplements or a placebo. The goal is to see if this simple approach can protect kidney fu…

This study looks at whether wearing graduated compression stockings in the hospital, on top of taking blood-thinning medication for several weeks, can further reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots after high-risk surgery. About 8,600 adults having cancer, abdominal, or orthope…

This study tests whether watching an educational video can increase women's interest in a preventive surgery called opportunistic salpingectomy (removing the fallopian tubes) to lower their risk of ovarian cancer. About 266 women aged 45 and older who are at average risk will wat…

This study compares two minimally invasive surgeries—laparoscopic and robot-assisted—for removing benign or pre-cancerous growths from the left side of the pancreas. About 256 adults will be randomly assigned to one of the two procedures. The goal is to see which approach leads t…

This study tests whether giving a single dose of dexamethasone before minimally invasive spine fusion surgery can reduce back pain afterward and lower the need for morphine. Researchers will enroll 60 adults aged 50-80 who need surgery on one or two spinal levels. The goal is to …

This study looks at whether playing your own choice of music during wide-awake hand surgery can lower anxiety more than standard relaxation music. About 170 adults having hand surgery with only local anesthesia will be randomly assigned to one of two music groups. Researchers wil…

This study tests whether spraying a cooling liquid (ethyl chloride) on the skin before a numbing injection can reduce pain during Mohs surgery for skin cancer. About 80 adults will have half of their surgical site pre-cooled and the other half not, then rate the pain of each inje…

This study tests a device called FreeO2 that automatically adjusts oxygen levels during breathing support. It includes 10 patients with COPD flare-ups or after weight-loss surgery. The goal is to see if the device keeps oxygen in a safe range better than manual adjustments.

This study looks at two different ways to program a pain pump that patients control after surgery. The goal is to see if a new method can lower the amount of opioids needed, while still controlling pain well. About 450 adults having various surgeries will take part. The results m…

This study tests two pain relief methods for women having gynecologic cancer surgery through a large belly incision. One method uses a nerve block before surgery, the other uses numbing medicine injected into the wound by the surgeon. The goal is to see which approach reduces pai…

This study tests a surgical technique called targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) to prevent phantom limb pain and stump pain after a leg amputation. About 200 adults aged 18-75 who need a leg amputation due to vascular disease will be randomly assigned to receive either TMR or st…

This study tests two different types of nerve blocks to see which one controls pain better after open-heart surgery. Researchers will measure how much pain medication patients need in the first 24 hours. The goal is to find a safer, more effective way to manage pain and reduce re…

This study tests whether bright green light therapy can help adults recovering from laparoscopic or robotic surgery feel less pain and need fewer opioids. Sixty participants will either receive bright green light or standard dim light after surgery. Researchers will measure pain,…

This study looks at whether a team of geriatric specialists can help patients aged 70 and older recover their daily living skills better after colorectal cancer surgery, compared to standard care. About 90 participants will be randomly assigned to either the special geriatric uni…

This study compares two treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: an ultrasound-guided injection around the median nerve and a small-incision surgery to release the nerve. Researchers will enroll 60 people with mild to severe carpal tunnel and measure their pain and symptoms at 4 an…

This study looks at whether doing relaxation exercises with a therapeutic clown can help lower fear and anxiety in children before they have surgery. The study includes 162 children aged 6 to 10 who are getting circumcision. Some children will do the exercises with a clown, some …

This study looks at whether eating solid food before a type of hand surgery called WALANT (where you're awake and only numbed locally) can help lower anxiety and nausea. About 134 adults will be randomly assigned to either eat or fast before their procedure. Researchers will comp…

This study looks at two different recovery plans after surgery for peroneal tendon injuries (torn tendons on the outer ankle). About 50 adults in Gothenburg, Sweden, will be randomly assigned to one plan. Researchers will measure pain, movement, and strength before and after surg…

This study tests two different ways of giving pain medicine through a patient-controlled pump after surgery. The goal is to see if a smarter pump that adjusts the dose based on your pain can lower the total amount of opioids needed and reduce side effects. About 1170 adults havin…

This study compares a home pelvic floor physical therapy program to standard care for 30 women having endometriosis surgery (without hysterectomy). The goal is to see if the home program improves pelvic pain and quality of life during recovery. Participants will complete surveys …

This study compares two common pain medicine combinations after low-risk surgeries like gallbladder removal, hernia repair, or breast lump removal. About 900 adults will be randomly assigned to receive either NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) plus acetaminophen (Tylenol) or low-dose opioid…

This study tests whether giving dexmedetomidine and esketamine during and after surgery helps patients feel better and recover faster. About 316 adults having surgery under general anesthesia will take part. The goal is to see if these drugs improve pain, comfort, and emotional w…

This study tests whether helping people sleep better for 4 weeks before knee or hip replacement surgery can reduce pain and speed recovery afterward. About 100 adults with insomnia and osteoarthritis will receive either a brief sleep therapy (CBT-I) or sleep education before thei…

This study looks at whether coloring mandalas (circular patterns) for 20 minutes before surgery can lower anxiety and stress. About 60 adults having gallbladder surgery will be split into two groups: one that colors and one that gets standard care. Researchers will measure anxiet…

This study looks at whether giving tranexamic acid (TXA) during nose surgery (rhinoplasty) can lessen bleeding, swelling, and bruising. About 60 adults having nose surgery at Vanderbilt will take part. Researchers will measure blood loss and ask patients about their recovery.

This study compares two common pain relief approaches for children after tonsil, gallbladder, or knee surgery. About 900 kids will receive either NSAIDs plus acetaminophen or low-dose opioids with NSAIDs plus acetaminophen. The goal is to see which option controls pain better and…

This study looks at whether using a walking platform every day can help people aged 65 and older regain their normal walking speed after cancer surgery. About 60 participants will use the platform during their hospital stay. The goal is to see if this simple activity helps them r…

This study tests whether using virtual reality (VR) can help patients feel calm before heart surgery, reducing their need for anxiety medication. About 40 adults who request medication for pre-surgery nerves will try VR instead. The goal is to see if VR can provide comfort while …

This study tests whether listening to ney music (a traditional Turkish wind instrument) can reduce pain, anxiety, and improve sleep and quality of life in people recovering from lumbar disc surgery. Sixty adults will be randomly assigned to either listen to 15 minutes of ney musi…

This study compares two common surgeries for an enlarged prostate: a newer laser technique (MoLEP) and the standard bipolar TURP. The main goal is to see which approach leads to a shorter hospital stay. About 130 men with moderate to severe symptoms will be randomly assigned to o…

This study compares two laser techniques—Moses 2.0 and Thulium Fiber—for removing prostate tissue in men with medium to large prostates (over 80cc). About 120 men aged 40-90 who need surgery for urinary symptoms will be randomly assigned to one method. The goal is to see which la…

This study looks at whether a drug called remazolam besylate is as good as or better than another sedative (dexmedetomidine) for keeping critically ill patients calm and comfortable while they are on a breathing machine after non-cardiac surgery. About 306 adults aged 18-64 who n…

This study is developing and testing two new kits that aim to predict if early-stage lung cancer will come back after surgery. Researchers will use protein markers from tumor samples and blood tests to identify high-risk patients. The goal is to help doctors decide who needs more…

This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic changed outcomes for people who had surgery in Stockholm, Sweden. Researchers will track up to 300,000 patients to see if death rates, complications, or hospital stays were different during the pandemic. The goal is to understand the …

This study follows 5,000 people who had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. Researchers will track re-rupture rates, how well patients return to sports, and other long-term results over 20 years. The goal is to learn which surgical techniques work best to improve recovery.

This study looks at whether wearable sensors (like a smart patch) can catch early signs of a patient getting worse after surgery. About 1,332 adults having major surgery will wear sensors on their chest and fingers for up to 10 days. The data will be used to design better early-w…

This study aims to find the optimal insertion depth for an esophageal stethoscope with a temperature sensor to accurately measure core body temperature during surgery. Researchers will test different depths in 40 adults undergoing elective surgery to see which gives the most accu…

This study looks at whether giving doctors genetic information about their patients before surgery can help them choose safer medications. About 1900 adults having elective surgery at the University of Chicago will provide a blood sample for genetic testing. Some doctors will rec…

This study tests whether a wellness program is practical and helpful for Black patients aged 60 and older who are scheduled for surgery and have symptoms of depression or anxiety. Researchers will see how many people join and complete the program. The goal is to learn if this app…

This study is a registry that collects information on people aged 18 to 80 who have had or will have robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery using the Senhance Surgical System. The goal is to track any side effects or complications to better understand the safety of this technology…

This study tests whether a new 3D technology can help surgeons use standard scans (like CT or MRI) more effectively during head and neck surgery. About 27 adults scheduled for surgery will have a 3D image created using the Scaniverse app during a standard ultrasound. The goal is …

This study creates miniature, 3D copies of liver tumors from 150 patients to test how well different treatments work. Researchers will also study the tumor's environment and the connection between the gut and liver. The goal is to better understand why some patients respond to th…

This study looks at whether continuously monitoring oxygen levels while moving patients from the operating room to the recovery area can prevent dangerous drops in oxygen. About 30 adults having surgery will take part. Researchers will compare oxygen readings taken at the start a…

This study follows 10,000 orthopedic surgery patients to understand their pain and opioid use after surgery. Researchers aim to create a tool that predicts who is at high risk for long-term opioid use. Participants use a smartphone app to report pain and medication use. The goal …

This study looks back at medical records of 350 people with cervical cancer that has come back or spread to only a few places. The goal is to see if treatments like radiation or surgery, along with chemotherapy, help people live longer. Researchers want to find out which patients…

This pilot study looks at whether letting people eat a regular diet right after colon removal surgery is safe and helps them feel better. Ten adults having colon surgery will be followed for 30 days to see if they have complications or need to be readmitted. The goal is to simpli…

This study looks at two types of surgery for pancreatic and liver tumors: open surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Researchers want to see which approach leads to better survival, shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and lower costs. The study includes over 400 patien…

This study is looking at how safe and effective robotic surgery is for both children and adults. Researchers will track complications, pain, and recovery in 16,000 people having robotic surgery. The goal is to understand if the high cost of surgical robots is worth the benefits, …

This study tests a program called '5 Rs to Rescue' to reduce preventable deaths after surgery in African hospitals. The program includes regular check-ups, early warning systems, and team reviews. 6000 adults from 20 hospitals in Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda will …

This study uses daily bedside ultrasound to find how often blood clots form from catheters after major surgery. Researchers will compare 100 adults who had cancer or non-cancer surgery. The goal is to learn what factors increase clot risk, not to test a new treatment.

This study aims to understand how inflammation from infections or major surgery can harm the kidneys. Researchers will measure certain proteins in urine, blood, and sputum from 100 ICU patients with sepsis, after surgery, or after poisoning. The goal is to find early markers that…

This study examines how long patients fast before surgery and whether that affects their recovery. Researchers will look at problems like nausea, low blood pressure, and kidney injury. The goal is to improve fasting guidelines for the millions of people who have procedures each y…

This study looks at whether how active you are before surgery can help predict your risk of complications or death after the operation. Researchers will track 50,000 adults having planned non-cardiac surgery at two hospitals. The goal is to see if adding physical activity to stan…

This study tests whether a new process can help more older adults get a special health check-up before major surgery. The check-up, called a geriatric assessment, looks at overall health to help plan care. Researchers will compare how many people use the new process versus past p…

This study tests whether patients can wear a virtual reality (VR) headset during awake brain surgery to help them stay calm and allow doctors to monitor brain functions. First, the VR headset was tested on people having orthopedic surgery under local anesthesia. Now, it is being …

This study tests a new way to monitor movement during brain surgery. Researchers will use a small sensor on the patient's forehead and video from the surgical microscope to measure and reduce movement when stimulating the brain. About 203 people having brain surgery will take par…

This study looks at how minimally invasive lung cancer surgery affects the heart's electrical activity. Researchers will monitor 100 adult patients before, during, and after surgery to see if temporary changes occur. The goal is to better understand heart stress from this procedu…

This study looks at whether using extra devices to check vital signs (like heart rate and breathing) in the hospital and at home can help people who had major abdominal or vascular surgery spend more days at home and recover better. About 110 adults will be split into two groups:…

This study looks at whether women with early-stage breast cancer can stick to a special diet (ketogenic or low-protein) for about 9 days before their surgery. The main goal is to see if the diet is doable, not to treat the cancer. Researchers will also check how the diet affects …

This study compares two types of anesthesia—inhaled gas versus intravenous propofol—during surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The goal is to see if one method leads to fewer cancer recurrences or deaths. Over 5,000 adults undergoing curative lung removal will be …

This study tests a computer system that helps doctors decide which surgery patients need blood prepared before their operation. The goal is to make sure blood is ready for those who truly need it, while avoiding unnecessary preparation that wastes blood and money. About 50 patien…

This study tests a non-invasive wrist monitor that continuously checks for stroke by detecting arm weakness. It aims to catch strokes faster in 1,200 high-risk hospital patients, while keeping false alarms low. The goal is to improve treatment and outcomes without any drugs or su…

This study aims to create a decision aid for people with a type of lung cancer (lung adenocarcinoma) who have just had surgery. The tool will help patients and their doctors work together to decide whether to do molecular testing on the tumor. About 190 people, including patients…

This study tests a wearable device called Neuralert that monitors hospital patients at high risk for stroke. The device is worn on both arms and sends alerts if it detects signs of a stroke. The goal is to see if it can identify strokes faster than current methods. About 50 adult…

This study looks at whether giving extra arginine (a nutrient) to infants after major bowel surgery or a serious gut infection (NEC) can improve their immune function. Researchers will compare three groups: some get arginine in their IV nutrition, some get it by mouth, and some g…

This study looks at two ways to get rid of leftover opioid pain pills after surgery: mailing them in or using a special in-home disposal method. About 100 people who have not taken opioids before will be assigned one of these methods. The goal is to see which approach works bette…