ON-Q Pump® Pain Control for Post-Cesarean Pain

This trial explores better ways to manage pain after C-sections. Researchers are using the ON-Q Pump®, a device that continuously delivers the pain-relieving medication bupivacaine (also known as Marcaine or Sensorcaine). The goal is to determine if this method can reduce the need for opioid painkillers compared to standard recovery guidelines. Participants should be pregnant patients undergoing a C-section at the Colorado Fetal Care Center. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative pain management solutions.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently being treated for chronic pain with certain medications like suboxone, methadone, or oxycodone.

Research shows that bupivacaine is a safe and effective option for managing pain after C-sections. As an FDA-approved local anesthetic, it is considered safe for this use. Studies have found that using bupivacaine during cesarean deliveries helps reduce pain and the need for opioids, which are strong painkillers with serious side effects. Reducing opioid use is beneficial.

In one study, patients who received bupivacaine during surgery reported less pain, indicating its effectiveness and minimal issues. Additionally, when used with the ON-Q Pump, bupivacaine continuously delivers medicine to the needed area, controlling pain with few side effects.

Researchers are excited about using the ON-Q Pump® with bupivacaine for post-cesarean pain control because it offers a targeted approach that differs from the standard of care, which often involves systemic medications like oral opioids or NSAIDs. This treatment uses a local anesthetic, bupivacaine, delivered directly to the surgical site through a continuous infusion, potentially reducing the need for systemic pain medications and their associated side effects. By directly targeting the pain area, it may provide more effective and consistent pain relief with fewer unwanted side effects compared to traditional options.

Research shows that using bupivacaine with the ON-Q Pump can greatly reduce pain after a C-section. In this trial, participants will receive either bupivacaine or saline through the ON-Q Pump. Studies have found that bupivacaine decreases the need for opioids, which are strong painkillers, after surgery. For example, one study found that using bupivacaine directly in the wound reduces both pain and the need for extra opioid painkillers. Another study confirmed these results, showing that bupivacaine can effectively manage pain and reduce opioid use after a cesarean delivery. This makes bupivacaine with the ON-Q Pump a promising option for better pain control after C-sections.¹²⁶⁷⁸