The Impact of Perioperative Ketamine Infusion on Surgical Recovery

About This Study

In order to effectively treat surgical pain with the least amount of opioids required, a multi-modal approach must include medications with different mechanisms of actions at alternative receptors. In light of the opioid epidemic, medical providers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) are strategically combining these medications in a bundled pain-regimen after surgery. These regimens have been shown to decrease opioid consumption, improve surgical outcomes, and reduce hospital stays, thus coining the term 'enhanced recovery pathway'. The combination of these medications has an indisputable synergistic effect. However, it is unknown how each medication contributes individually to the overall efficacy of the pathway. This study will examine the effects of ketamine, within the constructs of a multimodal pain regimen, on a) length of stay, b) opioid consumption, and c) surgical outcomes after major abdominal surgery.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• •Ketamine
• •Placebo

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years old or greater
* presenting at VUMC for abdominal surgery on the colorectal, ventral hernia or surgical oncology services on a weekday.

Exclusion Criteria:

* allergy or contraindication to ketamine
* unable or refuse to receive a neuraxial or regional nerve block
* patient refusal
* direct transfer from operating room to intensive care unit with endotracheal tube placed
* treating team elects to exclude the patient prior to study drug administration
* abortion of planned surgical procedure

Study Locations (1)