Advancing Pain Management in Teens and Adolescents After Surgery: New Clinical Trial Launches in California, Michigan and Ohio

Pain medications are commonly prescribed after surgery. But many are surprised to learn that there is still no singular agreed-upon way for how doctors and parents should

treat pain after surgery for teens, adolescents, and young adults. In the hopes to learn

more about what is the best way to treat pain after surgery, we're thrilled to announce

the launch of a new clinical trial at the University of Michigan, Stanford, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Nationwide Hospital! The CARES for Kids Study (HUM00252793) aims to discover what types of prescriptions are most effective and have the least amount of side effects for treating pain when recovering at home after surgery. CARES for Kids offers a unique opportunity for teens to young adults undergoing tonsil removal, knee arthroscopy or gallbladder removal to help answer an important question and contribute to a better experience for other teens and adolescents who have pain after elective operations.

Why This Study Matters:

Pediatric postoperative pain research is crucial because teens, adolescents, and young adults experience and express pain differently than adults, making effective pain management challenging. The discoveries from the CARES for Kids Study matter because:

1.    Preventing Short- and Long-Term Harm – Poorly managed pain in teens, adolescents, and young adults can lead to complications such as delayed healing, increased stress responses, and heightened sensitivity to pain in the future.

2.    Reducing Anxiety and Trauma – Inadequate pain relief can create negative healthcare experiences, leading to fear of future medical treatments and long-term psychological distress.

3.    Optimizing Pain Management Strategies – Research helps identify safe and effective pain relief methods tailored to the unique physiological and psychological needs of teens, adolescents, and young adults, minimizing reliance on opioids and reducing side effects.

4.    Improving Recovery Outcomes – Effective pain management can shorten hospital stays, promote mobility, and enhance overall recovery, reducing the risk of complications such as infections or respiratory issues.

5.    Ethical Responsibility – Teens and adolescents have the right to adequate pain relief. Research ensures that pediatric pain is taken seriously and managed appropriately.

Understanding how to assess and treat pediatric pain effectively can lead to better healthcare policies, improved clinical guidelines, and a higher quality of life for teens, adolescents, and young adults who undergo surgery.

Let's Work Together to Make a Difference:

We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to the potential for positive change that this clinical trial can bring. Together, we can improve the lives of kids everywhere undergoing surgical procedures. To receive updates about study progress, please visit cares4kids.org