Robotic Opioid-free Prostatectomy Enhanced Strategy (ROPES): Implementation of an Opioid-free Multimodal Analgesia Discharge Pathway

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a multimodal analgesia discharge pathway to reduce automatic opioid prescribing after routine robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) in men aged 45 and older. This phase 3, open-label, randomized study compares standard opioid prescribing practices with new opioid-free or limited-opioid discharge plans. The goal is to lower postoperative opioid use while maintaining safe and effective pain control, bowel function recovery, and overall quality of care. Participants are randomized into one of three groups: a pre-implementation baseline group receiving standard opioid care, a group receiving a multimodal analgesia plan without an automatic opioid prescription but with access to request opioids via a phone line, and a group receiving the multimodal plan plus a small upfront opioid prescription. All patients receive standardized multimodal analgesic therapy during and after surgery, with opioids used only as needed in the hospital recovery phase. During the study, participants will be counseled on pain management and monitored for opioid consumption 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Researchers will also track bowel function recovery at 1 week, emergency department visits, postoperative phone calls within 30 days, and same-day discharge rates. The total participation duration varies by patient, with data collected to assess the safety and effectiveness of reducing opioid use after RALP.

Robotic Opioid-free Prostatectomy Enhanced Strategy (ROPES)