Epidural anesthetic cocktail for pain relief after lumbar discectomy
Comparative Outcomes of Intraoperative Epidural Application of Anesthetic Cocktail Following Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if a special mix of pain relief medicine given during back surgery can help patients recover better and feel less pain afterward.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital, Thailand Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chon Buri) |
| Trial ID | NCT05738759 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of an epidural anesthetic cocktail applied during endoscopic lumbar discectomy to improve postoperative outcomes. The cocktail, consisting of triamcinolone, marcaine, and morphine, is administered before the endoscope is removed. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the anesthetic cocktail or a placebo, with the primary focus on measuring functional outcomes through the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at three months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include pain levels, hospital stay duration, opioid consumption, and return to work time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with lumbar radiculopathy and single-level herniation confirmed by MRI, who have not undergone prior spinal surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with allergies to anesthetics or those with serious medical comorbidities that prevent surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce postoperative pain and improve recovery times for patients undergoing lumbar discectomy.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination and method of application in the context of endoscopic lumbar discectomy is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-60 * Lumbar radiculopathy * No prior spinal surgery or recurrent lumbar disc herniation * Plan for endoscopic discectomy after failed conservative for at least 6 weeks * Single-level herniation confirmed by MRI which correlated with symptoms Exclusion Criteria: * Allergic or contraindicated to amide-type anesthesia, opioid, NSAIDs, or steroids * Cauda equina syndrome * Concomitant with other abnormalities * Unable to answer questionnaires * Cannot tolerate surgery due to medical comorbidities
Where this trial is running
Chon Buri
- Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital — Chon Buri, Thailand (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Surachat Jaroenwareekul, M.D.
- Email: surachatjwk@gmail.com
- Phone: +66804599680
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.