Drug combo may stop opioids from making pain worse after surgery
NCT ID NCT01594047
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving ketamine during surgery and methadone after surgery can prevent a condition called opioid-induced hyperalgesia, where painkillers actually make pain worse. 113 patients having open colorectal surgery took part. Researchers measured the area of increased pain sensitivity around the surgical wound and pain levels using a 0-10 scale.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ketamine and methadone
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could help reduce pain and the need for strong painkillers after surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study. Results may not apply to all surgeries or patients. Ketamine and methadone have side effects like drowsiness and nausea.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
113 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2009
- Finished
-
Aug 2014
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 75 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * patients undergoing open colo-rectal surgery Exclusion Criteria: * ASA status more than II, history of chronic pain, ischemic heart disease or chronic pulmonary disease, allergy to any drugs used in the protocol. Body Max Index more than 35.
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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
-
Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori
Milan, 20133, Italy
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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