Comparing local and MAC anesthesia for lumbar decompression surgery

Randomized Study Comparing Local/ MAC Anesthesia to General for 1-3 Level Lumbar Decompressions

Early Phase 1 Interventional Stanford University · NCT04992572

This study tests whether using local anesthesia with monitored care is as safe and effective as general anesthesia for patients having lumbar decompression surgery for spinal stenosis.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Redwood City, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04992572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of using local anesthesia combined with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) compared to general anesthesia for patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery due to spinal stenosis. A total of 100 patients aged 40 to 95 will be randomly assigned to receive either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with MAC during their procedure. The study aims to analyze patient outcomes, complications, and overall experiences associated with each anesthetic approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 40-95 with lumbar stenosis who are appropriate for general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with significant nerve root retraction planned, previous fusion operations, or known hypersensitivity to the anesthetics used may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more comfortable anesthesia option for patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with local anesthesia and MAC in similar surgical settings, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with lumbar stenosis to be decompressed over 1-3 segments

* Ages 40-95
* Appropriate for general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Planned significant nerve root retraction
* Previous fusion operation
* Unable to comply with follow up
* Patients with daily morphine equivalents or more 100mg
* Patients with a known hypersensitivity to propofol or any of DIPRIVAN Injectable Emulsion components.
* Patients with allergies to eggs, egg products, soybeans or soy products.

Where this trial is running

Redwood City, California and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.