Evaluation of a 5 mcghour Transdermal Buprenorphine Patch Added to Standard Pain Relief for Adults Undergoing Unilateral Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery VATS remains a significant challenge despite using multiple pain relief methods. This clinical trial is designed to evaluate whether adding a 5 mcghour transdermal buprenorphine patch to the usual pain management plan can reduce pain in adults undergoing unilateral VATS. The study is randomized, triple-blind, and placebo-controlled to ensure objective assessment. It is conducted at Clnica Dvila in Santiago, Chile, with 90 participants planned. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a transdermal buprenorphine patch or a placebo patch before surgery, in addition to standard multimodal analgesia. The buprenorphine patch is a long-acting opioid partial agonist, and the study compares its effect on postoperative pain against placebo. The patches are applied preoperatively and participants continue with their usual multimodal analgesic regimen. The randomization is computer-generated and masked to participants, researchers, and assessors. During the study, participants will have their pain intensity measured using a Numeric Rating Scale at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes monitored include opioid rescue medication use, incidence of nausea, vomiting, itching, urinary retention, and length of hospital stay up to 30 days. Participants will be closely followed to assess these outcomes and safety throughout the postoperative period.

Analgesia With Transdermal Buprenorphine Patch in Adults Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery