Comparing CoolStick and Ethyl Chloride for assessing light touch after caesarean delivery
A Comparison of CoolStick and Ethyl Chloride Spray for the Assessment of Sensory Block to Light Touch and Cold Before Caesarean Section Under Spinal or Combined Spinal-epidural Anaesthesia
This study is testing whether CoolStick or ethyl chloride spray works better for checking light touch and cold feeling after a cesarean delivery to help ensure moms are comfortable during surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Barts & The London NHS Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (London and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06596486 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of CoolStick and ethyl chloride spray in assessing light touch and cold sensation following neuraxial anaesthesia during elective caesarean sections. Given that a significant percentage of deliveries in the UK are by caesarean section, ensuring effective anaesthesia is crucial for maternal comfort and reducing the risk of intraoperative pain. Participants will also report any intraoperative pain experienced during the procedure. The findings could help standardize practices for assessing neuraxial blocks in obstetric anaesthesia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant patients presenting for elective caesarean sections under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old, unable to give informed consent, or have allergies to the study materials may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the assessment methods for neuraxial anaesthesia, leading to better pain management during caesarean deliveries.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach has been discussed in clinical guidelines, the specific comparison of CoolStick and ethyl chloride for this purpose is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant patients presenting for elective caesarean section under spinal or combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia. Exclusion Criteria: * \< 18 years old * Unwilling or unable to give informed consent * Inability to understand written and/or verbal English * Allergy to stainless steel * Allergy to ethyl chloride spray
Where this trial is running
London and 2 other locations
- Newham University Hospital — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- The Royal London Hospital — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Whipps Cross University Hospital — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Simon Apps
- Email: simon.apps@nhs.net
- Phone: 07732888187
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.