AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

GASPS Study: General Anaesthesia vs Spinal anaesthesia: Patient outcomes and Success in Outpatient primary total knee and hip Arthroplasty

The GASPS study is looking into the best type of anaesthesia for people having hip or knee replacement surgery. It compares `general anaesthesia` (where you are completely asleep) with `spinal anaesthesia` (where a part of your body is made numb but you might be awake or lightly sedated). The main aim is to find out which type makes it easier for patients to go home `on the same day` as their surgery and stay well enough not to need readmission within 48 hours. Researchers will also look at pain levels, how quickly people can move around, their recovery experience, and any side effects. This information will help doctors choose the best anaesthesia for these common operations.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Region Oerebro Laen

Enrolment target

600

Start

12 Mar 2026

Total knee and hip arthroplasties

What is this study about?

This study, called the GASPS study, is designed to carefully compare two main types of `anaesthesia` (pain relief for surgery) used for `total hip and knee replacement operations`. These operations are very common for people with joint pain. The two types of anaesthesia being looked at are `general anaesthesia`, where you are completely unconscious and unaware during the surgery, and `spinal anaesthesia`, where a needle is used to numb the lower part of your body while you remain awake or lightly sedated.

The main aim of this study is to see if one type of anaesthesia helps patients `recover faster` and `leave the hospital on the same day` as their surgery more often. The researchers will be checking not only if patients go home the same day but also if they stay well enough not to need to come back to the hospital within two days. This is important because going home sooner, if safe, can be better for patients and free up hospital beds.

Beyond simply getting home, the study also looks at many other important things. This includes how much pain people feel, how quickly they can start walking again, how they feel about their recovery overall, and any problems or side effects they might experience. They'll also consider the cost-effectiveness of each approach. The results from this study will help healthcare professionals decide which type of anaesthesia is best for patients having hip or knee replacements, making sure they have the safest and most comfortable experience possible.

Key takeaways

Compares general vs. spinal anaesthesia for hip/knee replacements.
Main goal: see which helps patients go home safely the same day.
Looks at pain, recovery, and side effects.
Participation involves routine anaesthesia and follow-up checks.
Results help doctors choose the best anaesthesia for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be `at least 18 years old`. There's `no upper age limit` beyond that, meaning both younger adults and older individuals can take part.

This study includes `both men and women`.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you scheduled for a total hip or knee replacement?
Are you willing for your anaesthesia type (general or spinal) to be part of the study?
Are you able to attend follow-up assessments for up to 12 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will be assigned to receive either `general anaesthesia` or `spinal anaesthesia` for your hip or knee replacement surgery. The anaesthesia will involve medicines like Remifentanil, Propofol, Bupivacaine, Sufentanil, or Fentanyl, which are standard medications used for these procedures.

Throughout your recovery, researchers will keep track of several things. This includes how long it takes from when your anaesthesia starts to when your surgery begins, and how long it takes to recover enough to leave the recovery room and then the hospital. They will check how soon after surgery you can walk comfortably and use stairs if needed. You will also be asked about your `pain levels` using simple scales and how well you are recovering overall through questionnaires on specific days (1 to 35 days after surgery). For hip and knee patients, you might complete questionnaires about your joint function at the start, then at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery.

Researchers will also monitor any `analgesics` (painkillers) you use, especially how much `opioid medication` you take, during the first 14 days and then weekly until day 35. They will also carefully watch for any `side effects` or complications until 3 days after surgery, and transfusions until you leave the hospital. Some participants might be asked to share their experiences in a `short interview` between 14 and 60 days after surgery. The total duration of follow-up for some assessments could be `up to 12 months`.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you'll receive a type of anaesthesia — either general or spinal — for your surgery. These are both `standard and widely used` techniques. Potential benefits could include contributing to a better understanding of which anaesthesia option leads to the quickest and most comfortable recovery, potentially allowing more patients to go home on the same day safely. As with any medical procedure, there are `potential risks` associated with both types of anaesthesia, such as side effects from medications or surgical complications, but these will be carefully monitored. You have the `right to withdraw` from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Sweden

Common questions

What is `general anaesthesia`?

General anaesthesia is when you are completely asleep and unaware during an operation.

What is `spinal anaesthesia`?

Spinal anaesthesia numbs a part of your body (like from the waist down) while you might be awake or lightly sedated.

What does `same-day discharge` mean?

It means going home from the hospital on the same day you have your surgery, and not needing to be readmitted within 48 hours.

Will I need to take extra medications for the study?

The medicines used for anaesthesia are standard for these surgeries. Your pain medication use will be monitored, but you won't take extra medicines specifically for the study.

How long will I be followed in the study?

Some aspects of your recovery will be monitored for a few days, others for several weeks, and some for up to 12 months after surgery.