Anesthesia

Persistent pain after breast cancer surgery, known as Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS), is a common and debilitating complication. The PLAN Trial is a large, international, randomized controlled study investigating whether intravenous lidocaine given during surgery can reduce the risk of developing persistent pain.

You may qualify if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Are undergoing a lumpectomy or mastectomy (including prophylactic surgery)

Participation involves:

• Receiving either lidocaine or placebo during surgery
• Follow-ups in hospital and remotely at 3 and 12 months
• Completing questionnaires on pain, function, and quality of life

Why this matters:
If successful, this trial could lead to a simple, low-cost intervention to prevent chronic pain in breast cancer survivors, improving quality of life and reducing opioid use.

For more information about this study and to find out if you’re eligible, please reach out to the study coordinator: didem.bozak@wchospital.ca

Smoking significantly increases the risk of surgical complications, yet only 21% of surgical patients at Women’s College Hospital (WCH) currently receive smoking cessation support. This quality improvement initiative aims to change that.

Led by Dr. Jean Wong, this project will revise and expand WCH’s existing smoking cessation pathway to ensure more patients receive timely, evidence-based support before and after surgery.

You may qualify if you:

• Are 18 years or older
• Are scheduled for surgery at WCH
• Identify as a current smoker

Participation involves:

• Receiving brief counseling and access to free resources such as:
• Nicotine replacement therapy (via STOP on the Net)
• Smoker’s Helpline and Talk Tobacco
• Online education modules
• Referrals to community programs
• Optionally completing a post-surgery questionnaire via MyChart
• No additional clinic visits required

Why this matters:
Quitting smoking, even shortly before surgery, can reduce complications by over 50%. This program leverages digital tools and existing resources to support patients with minimal burden on clinical staff.

For more information about this study and to find out if you’re eligible, please reach out to the study coordinator: didem.bozak@wchospital.ca

The EndPaRL Study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluating two techniques of radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) for treating chronic neck pain caused by cervical facet joint osteoarthritis. The study compares the traditional parallel lesioning technique with a newer end-on approach using multitined trident cannulae.

Researchers at Women’s College Hospital are focused on improving pain control for patients undergoing penile inversion vaginoplasty, a gender-affirming surgery. This study is testing whether adding a low-dose spinal (intrathecal) injection of morphine to standard pain management before surgery can reduce the need for opioids and improve recovery in the first 24 hours after surgery.

You may qualify if you:

• Are aged 18 – 70 years
• Are undergoing penile inversion vaginoplasty
• Are classified as ASA physical status I–III

Participation involves:

• Receiving either a saddle block with intrathecal morphine or a placebo injection before surgery
• Completing assessments of pain, recovery quality, and satisfaction within 48 hours post-surgery
• Monitoring for side effects and complications related to the block or opioids

For more information about this study and to find out if you’re eligible, please reach out to the study coordinator: didem.bozak@wchospital.ca

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that has been shown to improve pain control after surgery and for chronic pain conditions. The KetHead Study is a multi-centre randomized controlled trial of efficacy and safety of intravenous ketamine for chronic daily headaches. The study aims to look at the pain-relieving effect and optimal dose of ketamine infusions for CDH, as well as its effect on sleep, functional activity and overall quality of life.

You may qualify if you:

• Are aged 18 – 75 years
• Have headaches for at least 4 hours per day for at least 15 days per month

Participation involves:

• Completing a headache diary 1 month before and 3 months after the infusion
• Being able to receive a 1 day infusion at Toronto Western Hospital
• Wearing an actigraph watch to measure your sleep and physical activity
• Compensation to cover travel and parking costs ($30 CAD)

For more information about this study and to find out if you’re eligible, please reach out to the study coordinator: didem.bozak@wchospital.ca

Outpatient surgeries, where patients go home the same day, are becoming more common for low-risk procedures. This approach is convenient and cost-effective, but it also means patients must manage their recovery, including pain, at home. The CARES Trial is a multi-centre, pragmatic randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of two common pain management strategies after low-risk outpatient surgery. The study compares non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) plus acetaminophen versus low-dose opioids plus acetaminophen. It aims to determine which regimen provides better pain relief, fewer side effects, and improved recovery and quality of life over a 6-month period.

You may qualify if you:

• Are an adult undergoing one of the following surgeries:
  • Laparoscopic gallbladder removal
  • Inguinal hernia repair
  • Breast lumpectomy
• Have not used prescription opioids or NSAIDs in the past 30 days
• Have not used over-the-counter NSAIDs on more than 7 of the past 30 days

Participation involves:

• Being randomly assigned to receive either an NSAID or opioid-based pain regimen after surgery
• Completing surveys on pain, sleep, function, and quality of life at multiple time points over 6 months
• Using a mobile app (or web version) to report outcomes and receive study updates
• Optional support with mobile devices if needed

For more information about this study and to find out if you’re eligible, please reach out to the study coordinator: didem.bozak@wchospital.ca

Older adults undergoing surgery may face unique challenges related to social isolation and loneliness—issues that can affect recovery and overall well-being. This qualitative study explores how older adult patients experience social connectedness during the perioperative period. Through interviews and questionnaires, the study aims to better understand the causes of social isolation and loneliness, and to identify opportunities for support and intervention.

Eligibility:

• 60 years of age or older
• Scheduled for an outpatient surgical procedure at Women’s College Hospital
• Able to speak English and provide informed consent
• Have access to a phone or computer with video conferencing capabilities

Participation Involves:

• Completing brief screening questionnaires before surgery
• Participating in a 45-minute phone or video interview 2–4 weeks after surgery
• Answering questions about social connections, support systems, and recovery experiences
• Receiving a $25 President’s Choice gift card as a thank-you

For more information or to find out if you’re eligible, please contact:
Didem Bozak – didem.bozak@wchospital.ca