Epidural or IV? study seeks best way to deliver opioids after surgery
NCT ID NCT06559969
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at two common methods of giving extra opioids (strong painkillers) to patients recovering from open abdominal surgery who already have an epidural. Researchers want to see if adding opioids to the epidural fluid works as well as giving them through an IV, and whether one method causes fewer side effects. About 80 adults aged 18 to 85 will take part.
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
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Phase 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Participants
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About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: 1. Age including and between 18 to 85 years old 2. Planned open abdominal procedure with an incision that is or includes above the umbilicus, where epidural would normally be offered and epidural would be maintained for an average of 4 to 5 days 3. Patient has consented for an epidural 4. Patient is able to converse in English 5. Patient is able to use a patient controlled pump Exclusion Criteria: 1. Has a known contraindication for an epidural 2. Known mental or cognitive disability 3. History of chronic opioid use or substance abuse disorder 4. Pre-operative use of opioids 5. History of chronic pain 6. Routine use of marijuana 7. Incarcerated 8. Unable to converse in English 9. Planned to remain intubated post-operatively 10. Need for post-operative use of anticoagulant regiment that would be contraindicated with an indwelling epidural catheter 11. End stage renal disease or dialysis 12. Hepatic disease that affects metabolism of drugs 13. Known contraindication to any of the study drugs 14. Known pregnancy or positive pre-operative pregnancy test 15. Known neurological condition that may affect motor or sensory systems
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Iowa Health Care
RECRUITINGIowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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