Evaluating the need for sedation during epidural injections for back pain

Is Sedation Necessary for Transforaminal Epidural Injections?

Observational Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital · NCT06539390

This study is trying to see if patients with chronic low back pain from disc herniation need sedation during epidural injections and how it affects their pain and ability to function afterward.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06539390 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study examines the necessity of sedation for patients undergoing transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESE) for chronic low back pain due to disc herniation. It involves a retrospective analysis of patient files from the Algology Department at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, focusing on patients treated between January 2022 and January 2024. The study will assess pain severity and functionality using the Numeric Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index before and after the procedure, while also considering MRI evaluations for accurate classification of disc herniations. The goal is to determine if sedation impacts treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with a body mass index under 35 and classified as ASA 1-3 who have undergone unilateral, single-level TFESE.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple-level disc herniations or those outside the specified age and health criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help streamline the procedure for epidural injections, potentially reducing the need for sedation and associated risks.

How similar studies have performed: While there are limited studies on this specific approach, the use of TFESE is well-established, suggesting potential for meaningful insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients aged 18-65, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1-3, body mass index\<35 kg/m2, who underwent unilateral, single-level TFESE were included.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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 Pain, ChronicTransforaminal Epidural Injections, Sedation,Pain
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.