Dexamethasone for Reduction of Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome

Launched by MAISONNEUVE-ROSEMONT HOSPITAL · Apr 9, 2014

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a medicine called dexamethasone might help reduce pain after thoracic surgery, which is surgery on the chest area. Many patients experience ongoing pain after this type of surgery, and researchers think that inflammation (swelling and irritation in the body) could be a big part of the problem. By giving dexamethasone before the surgery, the hope is to lower inflammation and, in turn, reduce the chances of having pain three months after the procedure.

The trial is looking for participants aged 18 to 75 who are having elective thoracic surgery and plan to receive pain relief through an epidural, which is a method of delivering pain medication into the spine. However, some people won't be eligible, such as those who can’t have an epidural, are already on certain medications, or refuse to participate. If you join the study, you will receive care and monitoring to see how well dexamethasone works in reducing pain, helping to improve treatment for future patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • elective thoracic surgery using a thoracotomy incision and thoracic epidural analgesia
• • ASA I-III
• • age 18-75 yo
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • contra-indication to thoracic epidural analgesia
• • patient refusal
• • patients already taking cortisone or dexamethasone
• • patients on chronic opioid medication