Efficacy and Safety of ALGRX 4975 in the Treatment of Postoperative Pain After Gall Bladder Removal

Postoperative pain after open cholecystectomy can be significant and mobility limiting, causing increased risk of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary complications, and extended hospital stay. With increasing emphasis on early postoperative mobilization, adequate postoperative pain control is essential. Acute postoperative pain is currently managed largely with opioids and co-administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Opioids are highly effective in managing acute postoperative pain, however dosing is often limited by side effects such as respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, and sedation. NSAIDS are administered to reduce opioid use, but may also have limiting side effects, such as gastrointestinal toxicity and platelet dysfunction. New strategies to manage acute postoperative pain would provide clinical benefit. ALGRX 4975 is an ultra-pure form of capsaicin, which is a pain medicine that has the potential for long-term pain relief following a single administration. This study will determine whether ALGRX 4975 can provide pain relief following open cholecystectomy.