Conditioned Open-label Placebo (COLP) for Peri-operative Pain Management in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

"Placebo oxycodone will be formulated to have the same physical appearance as liquid oxycodone and will be dispensed by the inpatient pharmacy and administered by the nursing staff. At all times that oxycodone or placebo medication is administered on post-operative day (POD) 1-5, the patient will undergo conditioning via exposure to a clove oil scent:~1. Conditioning (i.e. exposure to clove oil scent) with each dose of oxycodone medication on POD 1-5.~2. Scheduled placebo oxycodone medication paired with conditioning (i.e. exposure to clove oil scent) 3 times per day on POD 2-5."

"Surveys before surgery: Within 1 week prior to surgery, patients complete surveys about pain levels, opioid consumption, understanding of placebo effect and symptoms of depression.~Surveys after surgery: Through 6-months after surgery, patients complete surveys about pain levels, opioid consumption, side effects of opioids and symptoms of depression."