RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine in VATS Surgery

This study explores a new way to manage pain after a type of lung surgery called VATS. People often experience significant pain after this surgery and need strong pain medicines like morphine. While effective, morphine can cause side effects like sickness and slow down recovery. Researchers are looking at two other medicines, ketamine and dexmedetomidine, which have been shown to help reduce the need for morphine in other surgeries. This study wants to see if using these two medicines together during VATS surgery can further cut down on how much morphine is needed afterwards, compared to using them separately. The aim is to make recovery smoother and more comfortable by using fewer strong pain relievers.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Feb 2018

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Postoperative Pain Opioid Use

What is this study about?

When people have a specific type of lung surgery called Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), they can often experience quite a lot of pain afterwards. To help with this pain, doctors usually give strong pain relief. However, these strong pain relievers, like morphine, can sometimes cause uncomfortable side effects, such as sickness, tiredness, or slow recovery after surgery. Doctors are always looking for ways to manage pain effectively while also reducing the need for these stronger medications and their potential side effects.

This study is investigating two other medications called ketamine and dexmedetomidine. These medicines are already known to help reduce the amount of strong pain relief needed after some other types of surgery. The main question this study wants to answer is whether using both ketamine and dexmedetomidine together during VATS surgery can reduce the amount of morphine a patient needs even more than using these medicines separately. The researchers predict that this combination might lead to a significant drop in required morphine, helping patients feel better and recover more quickly.

Ultimately, the goal is to find better ways to keep patients comfortable after VATS surgery, minimise the side effects of strong pain medicines, and support a faster return to daily activities. This research is part of a bigger effort to improve patient care and recovery after surgery.

Key takeaways

This study explores better ways to manage pain after lung surgery (VATS).
It aims to reduce the need for strong pain relievers like morphine, which can have side effects.
Researchers are testing if two medicines, ketamine and dexmedetomidine, work better together.
The goal is to improve comfort and speed up recovery after surgery.
Participation involves monitoring during and shortly after your surgery.
You can discuss any concerns with your doctor and withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 80 years old who are planning to have a specific type of lung surgery called Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) to remove part of their lung. You should generally be in good health for your age, as assessed by your doctors.

However, there are certain situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you're already scheduled to have a special type of pain relief injection in your back (regional anaesthesia), or if you're taking certain heart medications called beta-blockers. You also wouldn't be eligible if you take high doses of strong pain medication regularly for long-term pain, or if you're on specific nerve pain medicines like pregabalin or gabapentin.

Other reasons you might not be able to join include if you've had an allergic reaction to ketamine or dexmedetomidine before, if you are pregnant, or if you find it difficult to understand and give consent for the study. If there's a language barrier, or if you simply don't want to take part, you also wouldn't be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Are you having a VATS lung surgery soon?
Do you currently take strong pain medication every day or specific nerve pain medicines?
Are you pregnant or plan to be?
Have you ever had an allergic reaction to ketamine or dexmedetomidine?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the study medications (ketamine, dexmedetomidine, or both) would be given to you during your surgery through an intravenous drip (into a vein). After your surgery, the research team would monitor your pain levels and how much pain relief you need, especially strong pain medicines like morphine, for approximately 24 hours. They will also keep an eye on any side effects you might experience. There are no extra visits or long-term follow-up appointments simply for being part of this study once you've recovered from your surgery and left the hospital. The total duration of your active involvement in the study itself is mainly focused on your hospital stay for the surgery and the immediate 24 hours afterwards.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help reduce the amount of strong pain relief you need after surgery, which might lead to fewer side effects like sickness and a quicker recovery. However, like all medications, ketamine and dexmedetomidine also have their own potential side effects, which the medical team will discuss with you. There's also a chance that the combination of medicines may not work as expected or that you might still need significant strong pain relief. Your safety and well-being are the top priority, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Ciusss
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is VATS surgery?

VATS stands for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery. It's a keyhole surgical technique used for operations on the lungs or chest.

What are opioids?

Opioids are a type of strong pain relief medication, like morphine, often used after surgery, but they can have side effects.

Why reduce opioid use?

Reducing opioids can help you have fewer side effects (nausea, tiredness) and recover more quickly after surgery.

Are ketamine and dexmedetomidine new medicines?

No, these medicines are already used in hospitals for different purposes, but their combined use specifically for pain after VATS surgery is being studied.

Will I still get pain relief if I join?

Yes, your pain will still be managed effectively. The study aims to find the best way to do this using fewer strong pain relievers.

How to find out more

Veronique Brulotte, MD

veronique.brulotte@umontreal.ca 5142523400 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.