SUSTAIN For PAIN

This trial is testing whether a continuous local anesthetic delivered through a small tube (catheter) into the abdominal wall can help people recover from abdominal surgery with less pain. After operations that require a large incision down the middle of the belly, pain management is very important. Researchers want to find out if this extra pain-blocking method, combined with standard care, reduces pain better than standard care alone. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years or older - You are scheduled for elective or semi-elective abdominal surgery requiring a midline incision - Your surgical plan includes standard pain-blocking injections and a patient-controlled morphine pump after surgery You may NOT be eligible if: - You are planned to receive an epidural or spinal block for pain relief - You have kidney problems (low creatinine clearance) or severe liver disease - You cannot communicate in English or cannot operate a patient-controlled pain pump - You regularly use large amounts of opioid pain medications (e.g., morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl patch, methadone, buprenorphine) - You have used illicit injected or inhaled drugs in the past 6 months - You have a history of chronic pain, uncontrolled epilepsy, or allergies to the study medications - You are taking certain medications including MAOIs, SSRIs, antipsychotics, or warfarin Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.