Comparing Pain Relief Between Two Methods of Freezing Injections in Children Having Their Appendix Removed

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · Apr 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to help children feel less pain after having their appendix removed through a surgery called laparoscopic appendectomy. The researchers want to compare two different methods of pain relief: one method uses a special freezing injection along with a medicine called dexamethasone, while the other method uses just the freezing injection. The goal is to find out which method helps kids recover more comfortably and quickly after their surgery.

To be part of this trial, children must be between 4 and 18 years old and have been diagnosed with acute appendicitis, which is when the appendix becomes inflamed and needs to be removed. However, children with certain conditions, like previous abdominal surgeries or allergies to specific medications, won't be eligible. Participants can expect to receive one of the two treatment methods before their surgery and will be monitored for their pain levels and recovery progress afterward. This study is important because it aims to reduce the need for strong pain medications and improve the overall recovery experience for young patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 4-18 years old
• • Diagnosed with acute appendicitis.
• • Undergoing a laparoscopic appendectomy
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Perforated/complicated appendicitis diagnosis
• • Previous abdominal surgery
• • Allergy to bupivacaine or dexamethasone
• • Severe developmental delay preventing patients from using pain scales or adequately communicating pain
• • Patients with Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
• • Patients with steroid dependence